From the fall 2007 issue of UConn Momentum
Alan R. Bennett ’69 has donated $750,000 to establish an endowed honors professorship in political science—the first for both the Department of Political Science and the Honors Program. The professorship, pending approval by the UConn Board of Trustees, will enhance high-level course offerings and faculty research.
“Alan Bennett’s gift is generous and well-targeted. The professorship will enrich the already fine scholarly climate that exists for undergraduate students in political science and reinforce the close association between the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Honors Program,” says Ross D. MacKinnon, dean of the college.
Bennett, a former honors scholar, says he wanted to support the programs that helped prepare him for a successful career. Bennett, now partner at Ropes & Gray in Washington, D.C. and a member of the UConn Foundation Board of Directors, previously served in the general counsel office of the Food and Drug Administration and was counsel to the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee. The UConn Alumni Association recently awarded him the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award for professional, personal and civic excellence.
“I remember a real esprit de corps and individualized attention within the large institution that the University was (and is), and wanted to give something back in return for that,” says Bennett. “Maybe this professorship can serve as something of a model for future contributions, and together, they can help make both the Honors Program and the political science department nationally recognized centers of excellence.”
The professorship will be used to honor an outstanding scholar, researcher and educator who will contribute to the department’s profile and mentor students.
“We would look for an accomplished scholar with a record of distinguished research and publication, but who is also committed to teaching our best students. This combination of research and teaching represents the highest ideals of our University,” says Howard Reiter, Ph.D., head of the Department of Political Science.
Bennett’s gift will have a direct and significant effect for honors students. The new faculty position will enable the department and the Honors Program to collaborate on expanding advanced courses, enrichment programs and one-on-one research opportunities.
“Students are choosing UConn over the most prestigious institutions in the country,” says Lynne Goodstein, Ph.D., director of the Honors Program. “They expect, and deserve, the highest quality educational experience. Having the opportunity to study and work closely with a distinguished faculty member reinforces their confidence that they have made the right choice.”
To support the political science department, please contact Frank Gifford at 860.486.6798.
