When asked what drives her to be so involved as a member of the Susquehanna faculty, Assistant Professor of Political Science Michele DeMary sighs and says “Well, my husband lives 400 miles away so what else am I going to do?”
Then she laughs affably. While it’s true that she and her husband, Lee Fortier, an attorney in Massachusetts, maintain a long-distance relationship during the academic year, she is quick to acknowledge that the energy and activity that consume her life in Selinsgrove make the days between visits go by very quickly.
“I truly enjoy the SU community. Students, faculty and staff are all a pleasure to work with, and I learn new things each day from those around me.”
DeMary joined the Susquehanna University faculty in 2000, replacing the late and legendary Gene Urey, who taught in the political science department from 1964-1999 and helped prepare many SU students for law school and ultimately law-related careers. DeMary preserves her predecessor’s legacy of excellence by administering the Gene Urey Memorial Scholarship Competition, which recognizes outstanding students in constitutional law.
In addition, DeMary, who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, is the prelaw advisor, coordinator of the Legal Studies Program and director of the Arlin M. Adams Center for Law and Society. The center was established in 2001 in honor of prominent Philadelphia jurist Arlin M. Adams by the family of Sigfried and Janet Weis and the Degenstein Foundation of Sunbury, with support from The Annenberg Foundation. The center brings renowned speakers to campus for engaging dialogues on current legal topics.
According to Terry Winegar, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences, “Michele is a truly outstanding teacher at a university that prides itself on its excellent teaching.”
Linda McMillin, provost and professor of history, shares admiration for DeMary. “She draws students in and helps them see the connections between politics and their daily lives. She models the importance of civic engagement. And she is a lot of fun. She sees the absurdity of life and can laugh at herself,” McMillin says.
DeMary is currently researching three different academic papers, and overseeing the educational paths of 26 academic advisees, more than a dozen seniors interested in attending law school, three senior thesis projects, two independent studies and one sophomore honors essay.
This deep portfolio of work brought DeMary recognition as the 2004 recipient of the University Teaching Award. The award is determined by nominations from the faculty and Student Government Association. Nominations are then reviewed by the Faculty Personnel Committee, which submits award recommendations to university President L. Jay Lemons.
Malcolm Derk ’05, a political science major and president of the Student Government Association, says: “Dr. DeMary truly knows her students and her teaching shows it. She takes time for students and shows her dedication at every level. Her knowledge, accessibility, passion for teaching and friendship exemplify distinguished teaching at Susquehanna.”
While she appreciates the individual recognition, DeMary points to the broader involvement that she and all faculty members at Susquehanna have in shaping and changing students’ lives.
“I feel part of a team that is doing important work,” she says.
And that helps make the miles go by pretty quickly.
—Victoria Kidd
