May
18-19, 2000
ITEM 107-1014-R0500 Resolution
Concerning the Retirement of Jon J. Driessen, Professor of Sociology and
Adjunct Professor of Linguistics, College of Arts and Sciences; The University
of Montana-Missoula
THAT: Jon
J. Driessen, Professor of Sociology, in his thirty-second year of dedicated
service to The University of Montana, has merited the commendation of the Board
of Regents of The Montana University System, and has earned the title of
Professor of Sociology Emeritus.
EXPLANATION: Jon
Driessen earned his M.A. from The University of Montana in 1965 and then went
on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1968. He joined The University of Montana in 1968
as Assistant Director of the Institute for Social Science Research, then as a
full-time member of the Department of Sociology and adjunct Professor of
Linguistics, spending his entire academic career here. Professor Driessen has spent his career
dedicated to the youth of the State of Montana, contributing to their education
through his direct teaching, guiding many students’ graduate research,
providing direct field-based training, and contributing financially to them.
Professor Driessen has played a crucial role in guiding affairs in the
College of Arts and Sciences and in the Department of Sociology. He has served routinely on special
committees and task forces at the request of several Presidents of the
University as well as Deans of the College of Arts and Sciences. At three different times, he has served as
Chair of the Department of Sociology--each time leaving the department stronger
and more focused than when he assumed the duties of the chair. His research has exemplified the best of
both practical and theoretical work.
His work has ranged from analyzing problems in the Catholic Diocese of
the State of Montana to conducting a series of projects with the U.S. Forest
Service to improve effectiveness. In
each of his projects, Professor Driessen has involved students in the field
work and publications. His students now,
because of the training received under his guidance, occupy senior positions in
both the public and private sector.
They are friends of the University as well as financial contributors
because of the intellectual nurturing they received under Professor
Driessen. Professor Driessen’s career
at The University of Montana has exemplified the highest of moral
qualities: generosity, high mindedness,
fairness, and personal warmth. He has
set a fine example for both his colleagues and his students.
In recognition of his accomplishments and meritorious service, the
Departments of Sociology and Linguistics recommend Professor Jon J. Driessen
for Emeritus status.