It was with mixed emotions that we marked the departure of Professor Dwayne Benjamin from his role as chair of the department.September 2017
Having held the position since July 2015 on September 1, 2017 he became Vice-Dean, Graduate Education in the Faculty of Arts & Science, an appointment that will run until June 20, 2022.
While we were delighted to congratulate him on his appointment, we were also sorry to lose his administrative skills and his steady hand at the helm. Benjamin’s predecessor, Professor Arthur Hosios – who served two terms as chair 2005-15 and had also served as associate graduate chair – was on hand to offer his remarks, noting that “as soon as Dwayne was chosen to be chair I knew it was only a matter of time before he’d be asked to take up another position at the University.”
Hosios added that “there’s no question that his departure is a substantial loss for the department and I want to thank him for his many contributions, not only as chair but also his stints as associate chair for the undergraduate program and associate chair for the graduate program.” Presenting Benjamin with an unmistakably bottle-holding gift bag, Hosios wished him well, noting that its contents would serve as a handy distraction in the future while dealing with the inevitable challenges and frustrations of his new role.
Benjamin expressed appreciation for the gift, adding that “I want to thank everybody for their support over the last two years of my being chair” and pointing out – with particular reference to Hosios – that “the legacy of the last many years’ management of the department is well recognized” within the wider University administration.
Our gratitude goes to Professor Martin Osborne who agreed to serve as interim chair from September 1 to December 31, 2017 while an advisory committee established by the Faculty of Arts & Science oversaw the search for a new chair. In January 2018, Professor Ettore Damiano began his appointment as Chair and Graduate Chair of the department.
