November 16-17, 2000
ITEM
109-2001-R1100������ Authorization to
Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of History and Philosophy upon Marvin C.
Shaw; Montana State University-Bozeman
THAT:����������������������������������� Upon
the occasion of the retirement of Marvin C. Shaw from the faculty of Montana
State University, the Board of Regents wishes to express its appreciation for
his service to the University, the Montana University System, and the people of
the State of Montana.
EXPLANATION:����������������� Throughout
his 31 years of teaching at MSU, Professor Marvin Shaw embodied the life of the
public intellectual.� An expert in
religious studies, Professor Shaw was one of this university�s most beloved and
esteemed teachers.� Through his classes,
publications, and public outreach, Professor Shaw touched the lives of
thousands of Montanans who were empowered to think more deeply about
fundamental questions about life�s many uncertainties.
Marvin
came to MSU in 1968, after earning degrees from Occidental College, Union
Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He quickly
established a reputation for excellent teaching. By 1978,� when he was awarded the rank of full
professor, Professor Shaw was widely considered to be the single best teacher
on this campus. He showed unfailing respect for students and managed to combine
his own deep learning with unmatched wit. His annual evaluations are full of
superlatives.
Professor
Shaw�s research record is equally distinguished.� He published numerous articles in the best professional journals
in philosophy and religion and produced two major books: The Paradox of
Intention (1989); Nature�s Grace: Essays on the H. N. Wieman�s Finite
Theism (1995).� His scholarship
earned high praise from his professional peers, all of whom marveled at his
productivity and eloquence. His name is synonymous with the humanities�
tradition on this campus.�
Professor
Shaw�s reputation was not limited to the MSU campus or to professional circles.
He gave dozens of off-campus lectures each year.� He served on numerous committees, including the Montana Committee
for the Humanities.� The Board of
Regents also asked Marvin to serve on the search committee for the Commissioner
of Higher Education. Professor Shaw was a distinguished citizen in the state�s
academic community.
For
these and other contributions, the Board of Regents of Higher Education is
pleased to confer upon Marvin C. Shaw the rank of Professor Emeritus of History
and Philosophy at Montana State University and wishes him well for many
pleasant years in the future.�