Dr. Steve Hatting's acceptance speech for 2000 Professor of the Year award

As a political scientist I have long been intrigued by the voting (and nonvoting) behavior of the American electorate. Speaking to you this evening, I am similarly puzzled by the dubious judgment of some members of the faculty electorate. A couple of months ago, more marks were placed next to my name than Mary’s or Michael’s . But who am I to be standing here?

Mary Swanson is an accomplished art historian. Recognition of Mary’s professional expertise extends far beyond St. Thomas to exhibitions in museums across the country and around the world. She has a superlative record of service to this university. And after all, Mary’s Minnesota roots run far deeper than mine, a transplant from "Tobacco Road" in North Carolina.

Michael Mikolajczak is a remarkable wordsmith. His teaching skills are fast becoming legendary. His participation in debate within the College and University Senates is spellbinding. And there is his resolute defense of the choice of "common text" by the English Department for this academic year. Heaven’s Coast by Mark Doty is provocative, but it is also profoundly thought-provoking.

Mary and Michael, I am honored to be a part of this faculty with you!

Celebration of St. Thomas Day is always a special occasion. This one provides a unique opportunity for me to express my appreciation to a number of people whose friendship and encouragement have enriched my life. Not surprisingly, the most prominent are the members of my immediate family: Maurine, my loving wife of nearly 32 years; our son, Michael, who will graduate from the University of Iowa Law School in May; our daughter Sarah, who blessed Maurine and me with a first grandchild, Samuel James Christison, 18 months ago; our daughter Eloise, a St. Thomas senior who will graduate in May. Thank you all for your love.

Last summer Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine, a monthly periodical, published a feature article about the "Ten Best Places to Work in the Twin Cities." St. Thomas was identified as one of them. I concur primarily because of my colleagues in the Department of Political Science. Nancy Zingale is executive assistant to President Dease. Her husband, Bill Flanigan, teaches political science at the University of Minnesota. Bob Farlow is the current chair of the department. Steve Hoffman directs the Environmental Studies Program. Cris Toffolo teaches both political theory and comparative politics. Angela High-Pippert joins us this year in American public policy and political behavior. Her husband, Timothy Pippert, teaches Sociology at Augsburg College. Thank you for your professionalism, collegiality and encouragement!

Faculty friendships sometimes form around the coincidence of arriving at the same place at about the same time. In 1982 Maurine and I met Peter and Jean Parilla, Tom and Cheryl Connery, Kevin and Susie Sauter, Michael Jordan and Brenda Powell, and Joe and Mary Jo Kreitzer. These friendships have flourished for nearly 20 years. Maurine and I hope they will continue to do so for many years to come. Thank you for the fellowship!

When I interviewed at St. Thomas on St. Patrick’s Day in 1982, I was making my first visit to the state of Minnesota. I recall the events of that day very clearly, especially the conversation with Charlie Keffer, our recently retired provost. With characteristic candor Charlie inquired about what I thought I could do to promote the mission of what was then the College of St. Thomas. I remember anticipating the question, but still being caught somewhat off guard by it. I managed after some hesitation to mumble in reply what I hoped would serve as an adequate response. I thought I might be able to excite or sustain intellectual curiosity for a lifetime in at least a few of those it would be my privilege to teach. Yeah, I know it sounds corny, maybe more than a bit contrived. But I really meant it, because three or four teachers, from high school through graduate school, did that for me. Their influence continues, more than they ever knew. I hoped Charlie understood how important it was that I try to do for others what had been done by others for me.

Several alumni of St. Thomas who are "doing for others" are here this evening. I was fortunate to have met them in the classroom during the past several years. They have gone on from St. Thomas to earn law degrees, pass bar examinations, and live and work in the Twin Cities. They are very special people. All excelled in the St. Thomas Mock Trial Program, now in its 15th year of regional and national competition. These days they volunteer their time and expertise on evenings and weekends stretching from October to April, guiding, teaching, encouraging St. Thomas students who are following in their footsteps. They are "giving back" to the University in a very, special way. Rob Lewis graduated with the class of 1990; his wife, Laura Thomas, did so in 1993. Richard Stebbins was a member of the class of 1990, while his fiancee, Marny Consoer, graduated last spring. Sarah Beuning, Joshua Hillger, Kristine Lord, Paul Kohls and his wife Kelly are members of the Class of 1996. Thank you for your service to the students of the University of St. Thomas!

I close with a heartfelt "thank you" to everyone for being here this evening and for making my life at St. Thomas truly interesting and enjoyable. You have made this St. Thomas Day one that I will never forget!

Dr. Steven Hatting, of St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood and a member of St. Thomas' political science department since 1982, received the 2000 Professor of the Year award at St. Thomas Day festivities on March 4. The 38-year-old award recognizes excellence in teaching, scholarship and inspiration to students.

Hatting, 53, earned his master's and Ph.D. at Duke University and specializes in constitutional law and judicial politics. As the university's pre-law adviser and educator-coach of St. Thomas' highly successful mock trial teams, Hatting has worked with hundreds of students interested in pursuing legal careers. The St. Thomas mock trial team won the national championship in 1987, and has won the North Central regional tournament four times in the 1990s.

Hatting founded the St. Thomas Pre-Law Society in 1983, chaired the Political Science Department from 1986 to 1996, and directed the Division of Social Sciences from 1992 to 1996. He also served as president of the Minnesota Political Science Association from 1997 to 1999.

The university's Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society called Hatting "tremendously dedicated" and said his "encouragement and integrity are inspirational" when it named him adviser of the year several years ago.