Dickinson Class of 2022 Selects Philosophy Professor to Receive Annual Award for Inspirational Teaching

Amy McKiernan looks excited and astonished as she walks among graduates to accept an award at Commencement.

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Amy McKiernan reacts to winning the Constance & Rose Ganoe Memorial Award for Inspirational Teaching during Commencement 2022. Photo by Caroline O'Conner.

video by Joe O'Neill

The Constance & Rose Ganoe Memorial Award for Inspirational Teaching

by Craig Layne

Amy McKiernan, assistant professor of philosophy, has been named the 2022 recipient of Dickinson’s Constance & Rose Ganoe Memorial Award for Inspirational Teaching. She was honored with the award during Dickinson’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 22.

Voted on annually by graduating seniors and announced by the graduating class president during Commencement, the Ganoe award is the only student-bestowed faculty accolade at Dickinson. The award was established in 1969 with a bequest from the late William A. Ganoe, class of 1902.

“I am so humbled and grateful to the class of 2022 for this recognition,” said McKiernan. “When I first met many members of this class, we did not know there was a global pandemic on the horizon. As we studied ethics together on Zoom and through masks, I have been so impressed by the critical thinking and interpersonal generosity I have witnessed our students practice under such difficult conditions.”

McKiernan’s teaching has focused on issues including practical ethics, biomedical ethics and the philosophy of punishment. She also directs Dickinson’s Ethics Across Campus & the Curriculum program, part of a broader civic learning and community engagement initiative supported by the college and donations from alumni, which focuses on developing the skill of ethical reasoning. The initiative embraces civic engagement and ethics together in promoting active citizenship.

“I frequently remind students (and myself) that ethics is life's work. I am excited to continue supporting and learning with the class of 2022 as we work to create a more just and caring world,” said McKiernan.

McKiernan earned her B.A. from The University of Scranton, an M.A. from American University and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.

The Ganoe award winner receives a cash honorarium plus the opportunity to use funds to purchase books for the library or educational equipment for departmental or college-wide purposes.

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Published May 25, 2022