Dennis Keenan, Fairfield philosophy professor, was recently inducted into Phi Beta Kappa as Zeta of Connecticut’s first honorary inductee.
Keenan, who was notified over Thanksgiving break, said he was blind-sided by what he had just achieved.
“I was completely surprised,” he said.
Keenan won the award for his exemplary record of scholarship in the field of philosophy and for being an excellent teacher. He has served Fairfield for 13 years.
Curtis R. Naser, president of Zeta of Connecticut, and associate professor of philosophy, said, “Professor Keenan is a great scholar, teacher and colleague. He is our first honorary inductee and he joins 42 other Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff on campus, including University President Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx.”
Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.
Its mission is to foster and recognize excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Only about 10 percent of the nation’s institutions of higher learning have chapters.
Keenan said he put the award in prespective: “It’s always deeply rewarding to be recognized for one’s hard work. Especially when that recognition comes form a group of colleagues that one respects and admires.”
One of those colleagues is philosophy department Chairman Richard Dewitt. “He is an excellent professor and deserves it [the induction],” said DeWitt, who was part of the search committee that interviewed and hired Keenan.
Keenan has been no stranger to achievement in his academic career. He was awarded the Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year award in 2003.
The award is given to a faculty member whom students select for outstanding dedication to the profession, students, and the development of the University and surrounding community.
Keenan explained how meanginful both awards are. “The Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year award meant a lot [because] it came from the students,” he said. “[Phi Beta Kappa] meant a lot that I was recognized by my colleagues.”
Timothy Law Snyder, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, also praised his efforts as a teacher.
“His academic expertise in numerous areas, including continental philosophy, is outstanding.”
Snyder added, “His community-building efforts have been exemplary. Whether it has been by serving as a mentor in the University’s Ignatian Residential College or organizing the annual faculty softball game, he has shown that he cares about the people here. In the process, he is someone who fosters growth academically, professionally and personally.”
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