Stephens takes leave for treatment
Tony Gonzalez
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: News
Professor of Philosophy James Stephens officially took medical leave this week, and will undergo at least eight weeks of treatment for the throat cancer he was diagnosed with earlier this month.
"We hope he's able to get through this well, and hope the first eight weeks of treatment is sufficient," said Thomas Burke, chairman and professor of philosophy and religion.
The remaining weeks of Stephens' courses will be taught by Burke and Peter Blum, professor of philosophy and culture. Students completing theses under Stephens will be advised by other philosophy faculty, Burke said.
"It's probably going to be disruptive for a couple of weeks…[but] it should be OK," said senior Jon Frank, who is enrolled in 19th Century Philosophy.
Stephens could not be reached by phone Wednesday, but wrote in a recent e-mail to his students that he will be able to e-mail throughout the semester. He wrote that he enjoyed his time with students and did not expect to take leave so soon.
The absence will raise Burke's course load to four classes and Blum's to five, an addition of approximately 40 more students, mostly in Stephens' Introduction to Philosophy course.
"It'll be a pretty heavy burden," Burke said of Blum. "Teaching five courses is a lot of work, but he can do it."
"I'm pretty sure [Stephens] would have done the same thing had it been me," Blum said Wednesday.
Freshmen Will Cooney, who is enrolled in the introduction class, said the transition should be smooth, but Stephens' absence is the loss of Cooney's "favorite lecturer…by far."
"The way he handled the class was absolutely phenomenal," Cooney said.
A friend is staying with Stephens to help through his treatment, Burke said.
Focus Editor Chase Purdy contributed to this report.
For previous stories click here.
"We hope he's able to get through this well, and hope the first eight weeks of treatment is sufficient," said Thomas Burke, chairman and professor of philosophy and religion.
The remaining weeks of Stephens' courses will be taught by Burke and Peter Blum, professor of philosophy and culture. Students completing theses under Stephens will be advised by other philosophy faculty, Burke said.
"It's probably going to be disruptive for a couple of weeks…[but] it should be OK," said senior Jon Frank, who is enrolled in 19th Century Philosophy.
Stephens could not be reached by phone Wednesday, but wrote in a recent e-mail to his students that he will be able to e-mail throughout the semester. He wrote that he enjoyed his time with students and did not expect to take leave so soon.
The absence will raise Burke's course load to four classes and Blum's to five, an addition of approximately 40 more students, mostly in Stephens' Introduction to Philosophy course.
"It'll be a pretty heavy burden," Burke said of Blum. "Teaching five courses is a lot of work, but he can do it."
"I'm pretty sure [Stephens] would have done the same thing had it been me," Blum said Wednesday.
Freshmen Will Cooney, who is enrolled in the introduction class, said the transition should be smooth, but Stephens' absence is the loss of Cooney's "favorite lecturer…by far."
"The way he handled the class was absolutely phenomenal," Cooney said.
A friend is staying with Stephens to help through his treatment, Burke said.
Focus Editor Chase Purdy contributed to this report.
For previous stories click here.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Alec Egizi
posted 2/27/08 @ 2:45 PM EST
Dear Editors,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Stephens's illness. Stephens is one of the very best teachers I have ever known: humble, kind, encouraging, challenging. (Continued…)
raedae1
Rachel Morgan (Davis-Clark)
posted 2/27/08 @ 11:32 PM EST
Get well Dr Stephens. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hillsdale, no the world needs your knowledge, grace and fervor.
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