Campus Y hosts Dr. Joel J. Schwartz Memorial

May 23, 2019 • Erin Reitz • No Comments

On Saturday, May 18, family, friends and former students gathered to honor the life and work of Dr. Joel J. Schwartz. After playing audio from an interview with Dr. Schwartz (listen here and here), sons David and Ray Schwartz invited members of the community to share favorite memories of their late father. Many spoke of the transformational support and generosity Schwartz offered as a friend, neighbor and professor.

During his tenure at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Schwartz was the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including the University Professor of Distinguished Teaching, and five chancellor and student undergraduate awards. He also received the General Alumni Faculty Service Award. He served as inaugural Director of the university’s Center for Teaching and Learning; he was Director of the UNC Honors Program in London; and he served on the Campus Y’s Advisory Board. Schwartz was a mentor to hundreds of students, including US Senator Paul Wellstone, a champion for social justice and civil rights. Schwartz was most proud of his work with Campus Y leaders that led to the establishment of the Apples Service-Learning program. That program is now an essential part of the undergraduate curriculum.

We thank those who were able to join us on Saturday, and encourage those who could not attend to visit a new bench dedicated to Dr. Schwartz next time they are in Chapel Hill. This bench, facing the Campus Y, will serve as a permanent remembrance of Dr. Schwartz’s significant role at UNC.