Fairfield University Honors Past Leaders
Contributed by:
Karen Donnelly,
Academic Counselor/National Councilor
University College at Fairfield University
and Fairfiled University website news information
The 2006 Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction ceremony at Fairfield University was an evening to honor two people who helped build the University College community, and celebrate students for their leadership and academic accomplishments. The late William F. Murphy, Ed. D., the founding dean of the School of Continuing Education, now known as University College, and Aviva Cohen, professor of sociology, were remembered as people who took the extra step to help students, especially adult learners. Dr. Murphy was killed in a car accident in the fall, while Ms. Cohen passed away earlier this year of an illness.
Edna F. Wilson, Ph.D., dean of University College, said to inductees that both always put students first. "We congratulate you on your path to future success, but remember those who forged pathways here."
Rev. Walter J. Conlan, S.J. said both educators remained committed to Jesuit ideals and building communities at Fairfield. "They enabled learners to help others to change the world for the better. We also hope you will carry that torch."
Karen Donnelly, academic counselor, presided over the installation of Ms. Cohen as an honorary member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, which recognizes dedicated adult students who handle their life responsibilities while achieving and maintaining high scholastic standards.
Aviva Cohen
Aviva Cohen was an adjunct professor of sociology at University College. She began teaching at Fairfield in 1983 and continued until her death in 2006. Aviva was instrumental in developing some of the first online sociology courses at Fairfield, allowing adult learners more flexibility in obtaining their degrees. She had a reputation of going that "extra step" to help the adult learner. She was particularly committed to helping those students facing learning challenges.
Karen Donnelly, Academic Counselor, recalls, "She and I worked closely with a student who suffered a stroke in the middle of his schooling. Because of his difficulty with short term memory, Aviva made up essay exams for this student since the multiple choice exams were too difficult for him. Aviva also came into campus to meet with him throughout the semester, and allowed him additional time to complete assignments. Because of her willingness to work with this student, he was able to complete his last two major courses and is graduating with his BA this May."
Dr. William F. Murphy
Dr. Murphy, or "Bill" as he was known to his friends and colleagues, came to Fairfield in 1977 as director of the Center for Lifetime Learning, overseeing the programs for adult students and transforming the center into a flourishing School of Continuing Education. He was well liked across campus and known as a student-centered leader. "He was a devoted advocate for the School and for the students," recalled Dr. Tracey Robert, assistant professor of counselor education in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, who previously worked with Dr. Murphy in Continuing Education. "He understood our students, who were often balancing work and family, and he understood their needs. He was also a very supportive administrator and we all really enjoyed working with him."
Dr. Murphy left Fairfield in 1988 to become dean of Continuing Education at the University of New Hampshire and retired as Dean Emeritus from that position in 2004. He graduated from Syracuse University and earned his doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Murphy is survived by his wife, Linda, their three children, Maureen, Michael, and Robert, and three young grandchildren. Dr. Murphy died in an automobile accident on Nov. 8. He was 65. The family requested that memorial gifts be made to the Dean William F. Murphy scholarship fund at Fairfield University to assist University College students.