2010 - Dr. Mary Louise Babineau

Department of Spanish
BA (Queen's), MA (Arizona State), PhD (Arizona State)

Dr. Mary Louise Babineau, professor of Spanish and Latin American literature, was awarded the John McKendy Memorial Teaching Award. She teaches with the belief that language proficiency cannot be achieved without an understanding and appreciation of the corresponding cultures and societies. Since she began teaching at St. Thomas in 2004, Babineau has developed four new courses on the Spanish-American short story, Latino women’s literature, Latino literature and culture in the United States, and literary analysis. She also now organizes the study-abroad experience in Avila, Spain, a popular programme launched by 3M Teaching Fellow Dr. Roger Moore.

Babineau was described by one student as an “inspirational and generous professor” who exemplifies St. Thomas University’s commitment to teaching undergraduate liberal arts. Students recognize that she will give them a heavy workload with challenging course materials, and they appreciate her sense of community in the classroom and commitment to mentoring.