Neil Wolfman, a part-time faculty member in the Chemistry Department, has been chosen by the Boston College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its 2015 Teaching Award. The award will be presented at a ceremony on May 17.
Wolfman has been teaching General Chemistry at Boston College since 2000. The large lecture class is comprised predominately of freshmen, most of whom are science majors or on the pre-med track. In addition, three years ago he began teaching General Chemistry in the Gateway Scholars Program, which supports first-generation college students interested in majoring in science.
Each year, PBK members nominate an outstanding teacher who has positively influenced their experience at BC for the honor society’s Teaching Award. Winners are selected based on the cumulative nominations from students over multiple years.
Students who nominated Wolfman for the award consistently emphasized his care for students, with many calling him a mentor and expressing gratitude for his guidance on course selections, job interviews and graduate school applications.
One student called him “an invaluable mentor” who “cares so much about the growth and development of his students.”
Another student wrote: “Beginning in General Chemistry, he pushed his students to think – not just to memorize – chemistry and helped us learn how to love learning. He has helped me every step of the way during my journey to becoming a scientist.”
A third student called Wolfman “one of the most wonderful professors I have had at BC.”
“I was so thrilled,” said Wolfman, describing his reaction to the news.
Wolfman, who worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 30 years, said he considers educator to be one of society’s most laudable careers. He expressed his gratitude to Professor of Chemistry and former department chair Larry McLaughlin for hiring him.
“This has been a fantastic experience. My students know I care about them. They know I will do whatever I can to help them. If I can contribute to their success even in a small way, that’s so gratifying,” said Wolfman, who writes countless recommendations for his students.
Despite having a class roster with more than 100 names, Wolfman forges deep connections with his students. These connections often continue after the course is finished.
He recounted recently getting an e-mail from a student who he taught nine years ago and skyping with another former student who is studying abroad in South America.
Wolfman says while his lesson plan might be the same year to year – “a proton weighs the same as it did 20 years ago” – teaching is never boring because the students change. “Every year, the kids are different. Every class has its own persona – different personalities, different vibe. It’s great. I am not bored at all.”
So is Wolfman looking forward to summer? “Summer’s nice. The weather is good. But I miss the kids. As September gets closer, I get excited for the next crop of students. I’m so psyched to start again.”