The Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community was created in the Fall of 2006 to recognize outstanding student contributions to the Sewanee community. It is named for Robert Wesley Pearigen ’76, currently associate professor of Political Science and vice president for university relations, and the former dean of students. After graduating from Sewanee and earning a Ph.D. from Duke University, “Dean P” returned to the Mountain in 1986 to serve as dean of men. In 1994, he was named dean of students and served the students, faculty, and staff in that capacity until July 2005.
As Dean, he believed strongly in the concept of community, and his goal was for each student to “find their place” here on the mountain. Pearigen spent the majority of his time, whether in the classroom or in one-on-one conversations, engaging with students and challenging them to make Sewanee a stronger community. He was particularly committed to the ideals of scholarship, integrity, leadership, and civic responsibility, and he approached each student with care, concern, and respect. The relationships that Pearigen built with students are indeed his most significant contribution to our community. Other highlights of his contributions include the creation of the Student Life Cabinet, the development of the Career Services staff and facility, the building of McClurg Dining Hall, the expansion of housing facilities for sororities, the fraternity restoration project, a new facility for the University Counseling Center, and the building of Humphreys Hall.
His commitment to the Sewanee community continues today and is now carried forward by the positive contributions made by the recipients of this award.
Ecce Quam Bonum!
Please complete the short nomination form below:
