Service will celebrate Joseph Thompson

September 25, 2014

University Relations

A celebration of life and memorial service for Joseph Thompson, one of the University of Alaska Fairbanks' finest faculty members, will be held Friday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. in the Wood Center ballroom.

Thompson, associate professor of philosophy and humanities, died Aug. 4.

This past spring, Thompson received the 2014 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award. In a nomination letter, Jonathan Rosenberg, professor of political science, said he was astounded that Thompson had not yet received the award.

"He is among the best we have," Rosenberg said.

Thompson used creative methods and research materials to electrify his philosophy and humanities courses, often leaving students in awe.

He also made time for students outside the classroom, recalled Azara Mohammadi, one of Thompson’s students. "We’d get together, even over the summer, to play chess or just wax philosophy."

College of Liberal Arts Dean Todd Sherman, other faculty and students will share memories during the service.

For more information, please contact UAF Summer Sessions at 474-7021.