June 22 , 2004 Print this page

La Salle University's Joseph Volpe
Receives Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching

Life’s big questions surface more profoundly when faced with serious circumstances that can be either blissful, like the birth of a child, or devastating, like the death of a loved one. For Joseph Volpe, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at La Salle University, his tour of duty during the Vietnam War made him ask questions and seek answers.

“The larger questions of life seemed to speak to my situation and I decided then that I wanted to study philosophy,” said Volpe, an Elkins Park resident. Volpe was recently honored for his commitment to teaching at La Salle’s Commencement ceremony. He was named the 2004 Lindback recipient for teaching excellence.

As described by La Salle's Provost, Dr. Richard Nigro, the Lindback award is a highly valued honor because it is a carefully examined judgment of exceptional achievement. The selection committee is comprised of students, faculty, and administrative representatives.

Both surprised and grateful for the honor, Volpe feels fortunate to be doing what he is doing.

“It’s a simple thought really. Most people enjoy talking to other people about what they enjoy,” he said. “I’m lucky that I am able to teach things I am interested in and that I find important. Because of that, I teach with a certain kind of passion and energy.”

His passion and energy does not go unnoticed. Nominations submitted from both students and colleagues describe him as perpetually enthusiastic and unfathomably knowledgeable. One nomination said Volpe’s classroom is a place of drama, laughter, larger than life discussion, and unlimited learning.