Ring: Sept. 19, 2002: Dr. Jan Zwicky

Dr. Jan Zwicky knows how to make an impression. The philosophy professor has delighted readers with her poetry, challenged philosophers with her ideas, and now she’s affecting students with her teaching. She is the recipient of the 2002 Excellence in Teaching Award for the faculty of humanities.

Since arriving at UVic in 1996, Zwicky has taught courses on ancient Greek philosophy and environmental philosophy among others, and has served as an undergraduate and honours advisor. She’s known for her passionate approach to teaching, and for her willingness to help students reach their greatest potential.

“Jan spends uncommonly long hours in her office meeting with students,” says Dr. James Young, chair of the philosophy department, who has known Zwicky for 20 years. “She’s a gifted teacher with an amazing ability to inspire students to think critically, logically and for themselves about a range of philosophical questions. She wants everyone to think as clearly and critically as she does.”

Zwicky, who is currently on study leave, continues to explore her own potential. Her book, Songs for Relinquishing the Earth, was awarded the Governor General’s Award for poetry in 1999, and she continues to play the violin at a professional level. To top this off, she is considered by some to be the most original philosopher currently working in Canada.

“There’s a reasonable chance that people will be reading her work a century from now,” says Young. “This is something that one says about only a very small number of philosophers. In the meantime, I’m certain that she’s making a huge contribution to the lives of her students right now.”