Hegarty Award Citation for Professor Louis J. Liotta

Professor Liotta’s commitment to Stonehill’s mission is abundantly clear in the words of those who nominated him.  We will let them speak for themselves. 

Louis Liotta has changed the direction of my life.  In class as well as in the lab, he has pushed me beyond my own aspirations.  He never allowed me to settle for mediocre successes; when I achieved one goal, he simply set the bar higher.  He has taught me that the ultimate way to learn is to set my goals as high as I can imagine. 

After freshman year, Louis became my research advisor, and I have been working with him ever since.  He has taught me an enormous amount about synthetic organic chemistry and how to interpret nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra.  Advanced organic chemistry is one of my favorite classes I have taken at Stonehill.  Class is very challenging because it is based on complex problem sets that require students to apply all the pieces that have been learned in lecture together.   

I would characterize Louis as caring, intelligent, articulate, impassioned, methodical, and goal-oriented—and he certainly knows how to go about achieving his goals.  Louis teaches Organic Chemistry, which is considered some of the most complex and difficult subject matter that science majors encounter.  Louis’s knowledge of his subject area is nothing short of astounding, and he has a natural ability to convey it in a clear and relevant manner.  I believe Louis is the consummate science teacher in that he views the teaching of science as an investigative process.  He not only teaches the results of discoveries made, but also the how—the methods that lie behind the scientific conclusions.   

Prof. Liotta is an exemplary professor.  He is engaging and compassionate both in and out of the classroom.  He is always available for extra help and is extremely interested and involved in seeing his students succeed.  He expects a lot from his students but gives even more in return.   

In addition to being my organic chemistry professor, Prof. Liotta has also been my academic advisor for three years, during which time I have personally witnessed his dedication, commitment, and accessibility in assisting students.  I think Prof. Liotta embodies the College’s goal of making Stonehill a school that is known not only for its small size and nurturing atmosphere, but also for a premier science program.   

And so with deep pride we today recognize Professor Louis J. Liotta for exemplifying Stonehill’s commitment to academic excellence. 

Given this first day of September, 

Two thousand and five. 

Rev. Mark T. Cregan, C.S.C. 

President