2008 Woodie Awards
Prof. Lippman spans the globe
Behind the Podium
Alex Mariscal
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Features
Media Credit: Ryan CalacsanProf. Matthew Lippman captivates his students with his diverse experiences throughout his life.
With recognition as the leading expert on the Holocaust and genocide and an authority on international terrorism, frequent appearances on WGN's morning news as "UIC Terrorism Analyst," and having written and attributed to more publications than most people would find in their own homes, Matthew Lippman, professor of criminal justice, places a different accomplishment of his at the top of his list.
In his 26 years of teaching (22 years at UIC), Prof. Lippman says his greatest accomplishment throughout his career is winning five Silver Circle Awards.
"I've written a lot of things that have gotten attention, but the Circle Awards are voted on by the students, which I find really meaningful," said Lippman.
Lippman made it one of his main priorities to be there for the students. He serves on the Pre-Law Committee, Honors College, Chancellor's Committee and the Advisory Committee for Athletics, many other committees that allow people to apply for national awards, the Writing Center and "anything involving undergraduate education." Lippman takes more of a particular interest in undergraduate students.
"I'm more interested in people open to new ideas," said Lippman. "Once you get to Graduate school, you already know what you want. Undergrads are still finding their sense of direction and open to new possibilities."
Lippman takes pride in assisting many of his students in receiving awards and getting into several law schools, such as Harvard and New York University. Four of his honor students have received the Riddle Award and four more have received the Student Laureate Award, which is presented by the Governor.
He describes his teaching style as the Socratic Method, the same way in which he wrote his textbook for the class, "Contemporary Criminal Law: Concepts, Cases and Controversies." Lippman finds it very important to create a sense of community and trust for his students so that they can feel comfortable in the class and with others. He enjoys getting to know people and feels that papers help him to interact with his students. He spends a lot of time thinking about his classes and "really cannot cut corners."
"I wasn't a good student, I relate more with the students in the back of the classroom, and those are the ones I'm trying to reach," said Lippman. "I don't make judgements, my goal is to motivate, give confidence and help students reach their aspirations. I go out of my way to be available to students, I want people to realize and know that they can go anywhere from UIC. People just need to knock on doors; they can get a lot of help."
|
In his 26 years of teaching (22 years at UIC), Prof. Lippman says his greatest accomplishment throughout his career is winning five Silver Circle Awards.
"I've written a lot of things that have gotten attention, but the Circle Awards are voted on by the students, which I find really meaningful," said Lippman.
Lippman made it one of his main priorities to be there for the students. He serves on the Pre-Law Committee, Honors College, Chancellor's Committee and the Advisory Committee for Athletics, many other committees that allow people to apply for national awards, the Writing Center and "anything involving undergraduate education." Lippman takes more of a particular interest in undergraduate students.
"I'm more interested in people open to new ideas," said Lippman. "Once you get to Graduate school, you already know what you want. Undergrads are still finding their sense of direction and open to new possibilities."
Lippman takes pride in assisting many of his students in receiving awards and getting into several law schools, such as Harvard and New York University. Four of his honor students have received the Riddle Award and four more have received the Student Laureate Award, which is presented by the Governor.
He describes his teaching style as the Socratic Method, the same way in which he wrote his textbook for the class, "Contemporary Criminal Law: Concepts, Cases and Controversies." Lippman finds it very important to create a sense of community and trust for his students so that they can feel comfortable in the class and with others. He enjoys getting to know people and feels that papers help him to interact with his students. He spends a lot of time thinking about his classes and "really cannot cut corners."
"I wasn't a good student, I relate more with the students in the back of the classroom, and those are the ones I'm trying to reach," said Lippman. "I don't make judgements, my goal is to motivate, give confidence and help students reach their aspirations. I go out of my way to be available to students, I want people to realize and know that they can go anywhere from UIC. People just need to knock on doors; they can get a lot of help."
Be the first to comment on this story