Syracuse University's Graduate School will hold its annual doctoral hooding
ceremony, honoring the 2009 doctoral degree candidates, on Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m.
in Goldstein Auditorium of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center.
Doctoral degrees will be presented to more than 120 students at Commencement on
May 10.
The invitation-only event will begin with opening remarks by Ben Ware, vice
president for research and dean of the Graduate School. The 2009 William
Wasserstrom Prize for the Teaching of Graduate Students will be awarded to Mark
Bowick, professor of physics in The College of Arts and Sciences. George Langford,
dean of The College of Arts and Sciences, will present the award.
Doctoral prizes will be presented by Gabby Chapman, associate dean of the
Graduate School, followed by the hooding ceremony and a reception. This year's
Graduate School marshal is Jeffrey J. Oxman.
The Wasserstrom Prize is presented annually by The College of Arts and Sciences in
memory of Professor William Wasserstrom, a former faculty member in the
Department of English. The award, which carries a cash prize, recognizes a tenured
faculty member who, in the view of students and colleagues, best exemplifies the
following qualities: being a recognized scholar whose work is characterized by its
originality and distinctive character; having an outstanding record of effective
training of graduate students; and actively participating in the intellectual and
institutional life of the University, college and department.
Bowick has been associated with SU since 1987 and was promoted to full professor in
1998. One of his former students notes that he is "an excellent physicist devoted to
being in the front line of the current research in theoretical high-energy and
condensed-matter physics." The nominating letter notes that he is a "courageous
scientist" and has shifted subfields when his scientific vision has diverged from
conventional approaches.
Bowick is director of graduate studies for the physics department, a role where he
displays a genuine and deep interest in every student. His classroom approach
encompasses both the weakest and the strongest students, challenging the latter while
making material clear to the former. His own students note that he has been an
inspiring and dedicated mentor. One says, "His passion and commitment to science
served me many times as a guide." He goes on to say, "Mark Bowick stands out as
an exceptional scientist, educator and human being."
