2009 - Dr. John McKendy

Department of Sociology, Aquinas Program
BA (St. FX), MA, PhD (Toronto)

The late John McKendy was nominated for the university’s Excellence in Teaching Award by students and faculty to honour his passion both in and outside the classroom. Strongly committed to social justice, McKendy made a profound and lasting impact on his students. As one student noted, it was impossible not to be intrigued by a professor who refused to be called “Dr.” and a teacher who insisted that he was the student. His faculty colleagues cited his inspiring dedication to learning as it served to inspire and deepen their own practice of teaching.

Professor McKendy’s contributions to St. Thomas over three decades elevated the community’s social conscience and engaged students, faculty and staff, as well as the broader community.