Fairfield’s own Phil Lane, PhD, associate professor of economics and Ignatian Spirituality mentor, has been awarded one of two 2019 Magis Medals by the national Jesuit honor society, Alpha Sigma Nu. This highly competitive honor, rarely awarded to a faculty member, is presented annually to two Alpha Sigma Nu members who exemplify the honor society’s core values of scholarship, loyalty, and service in their work to better the world.

“Dr. Lane represents the best of Fairfield University’s modern, Jesuit Catholic education,” said professor of politics Jocelyn Boryczka, PhD. Dr. Boryczka is associate vice provost for scholarly, creative, and community engagement, and also an Alpha Sigma Nu Fairfield chapter advisor. “Committed for decades to delivering academic excellence in all his courses, Dr. Lane has done so intentionally to advance Jesuit values, particularly cura personalis – or, men and women in service for and with others. His passion for teaching extends well beyond the economics classroom to the Ignatian Residential College, and has left an indelible impact on generations of Fairfield graduates.”

Since his induction into Alpha Sigma Nu in 1990, Dr. Lane continues to live the ideals of the Jesuit honor society both in and out of his classroom. His commitment to mentoring students both as an economics professor and an Ignatian Spirituality director has made a lasting impression on the Fairfield University community. One student, Paulina Baclawska ’19, was so moved by his support that she nominated Dr. Lane for the Magis Medal.

“Ever since sophomore year, Dr. Lane has been dedicated to my success throughout my studies as an economics major,” said Baclawska. “He has inspired me to continuously challenge myself academically and to never give up. Because of him, I realize my self-worth and intelligence. I am so lucky to have had him as a professor and a mentor during my time at Fairfield.”

Dr. Lane has received numerous honors and awards, including Teacher of the Year from Alpha Sigma Nu, Advisor of the Year from FUSA, and the Father McGrath Faculty Award from the National School of Banking. 

“I am honored and humbled for being considered for this award,” said Dr. Lane. "This is an award for the faculty, mentors, and students of Ignatian Residential College which I have been a faculty member and mentor in for 15 years. It is wonderful to see our University's faculty honored for the work we all do. While it is nice to be recognized for my work, this award gives me the opportunity to thank many people who have made my job easier and wonderful, especially my wife Jean and my daughters Maura and Bridget.”

Founded in 1915, Alpha Sigma Nu recognizes individuals who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty, and service within their academic pursuits. The society is among the most prestigious memberships within Jesuit institutions of higher education, and is the only honor society deemed Jesuit. Fairfield University is among the society’s 32 chapters. The society upholds all of its members to a lifelong commitment of responsibility and engagement with the community.