Webb Recognizes Dr. Hartle with Unbounded Thinking Prize

Dr. Lauren Hartle, who teaches The American Idea, one of Webb’s core humanities courses, as well as a range of elective courses, is the 2021-22 recipient of the James T. Demetriades Prize for Unbounded Thinking.

The Demetriades Prize was established in 2005 by Jim Demetriades ’80 in honor of his 25th reunion. The prize recognizes a teacher for an innovative and creative course, program or approach that fosters a hearty appetite for the joys of unbounded thinking and learning among students and others.

The award is determined by a selection committee that includes Dean of Faculty Michael Szanyi, Associate Head of Schools Dr. Theresa Smith and Head of Schools Taylor B. Stockdale.

Szanyi awarded the prize during Webb’s 2022 Commencement Exercises on June 4.

“Unbounded teaching might look like the weaving of personal, historical and contemporary narratives in The American Idea class in a way that asks students to question, critique and create. Unbounded teaching might look like being one of the humanities faculty that teaches the largest selection of elective courses. Unbounded teaching might look like convincing your elective partner that creating a dance for Advanced Studies: The Cold War Era would be the perfect encapsulation of the unit on art and culture during the Cold War,” Szanyi said.

“But unbounded teaching extends far beyond the classroom and far beyond what is classically thought of as teaching, and that is why Dr. Lauren Hartle immediately comes to mind.”

“Lauren is kind, generous, open and unbounded with her time, energy and passion for the health and well-being of everyone around her. In the dorm, Lauren has developed deep connections with students, so much so that she receives almost daily updates on the goings-on of Harry Styles. In academic support, Lauren reaches out to students to help plan and achieve both academic and life goals, helping students develop intrinsic motivation and self-worth.

“In the humanities office, at the lunch table, on the weekends, Lauren is always willing to pitch in, to offer perspective, to clean up that last bit of trash, to offer an open ear. She is a champion for students, for faculty and for staff, and she makes authentic connections with everyone around her.”

In fall 2022, Hartle will serve as Webb’s interim chair of the Humanities English division.

Details
June 6, 2022

7:37 AM PDT