David DeVidi - 2015/2016

David DeVidi - Philosophy

Professor David DeVidi has been a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy for 19 years and has served the university in many ways, including as Associate Chair, Graduate Studies and currently as department Chair. What distinguishes Professor DeVidi is the time and attention he gives to each student. Despite his deep involvement in university, professional, and community service, Professor DeVidi is fully committed to mentoring students as scholars and as people. He works closely with students to clarify their thinking, to help them structure their research projects, to hone their communication skills, all while insisting in the highest standard of intellectual rigour. If students are struggling, Professor DeVidi has the patience and empathy to ignite their confidence and lead them to success. Colleagues also note that he has mentored them as supervisors.

Professor DeVidi has played a pivotal role in graduate education in Philosophy at Waterloo. While serving as Graduate Chair, he revised the graduate curriculum to reflect developments in the discipline and the expertise of faculty, to enhance the recruitment of female students, to aid students’ progress through their degrees, and to mentor them as they transition to diverse careers, both academic and non-academic. One supporter described Dr. DeVidi’s impact on the graduate program as “incandescent.” His former students emphasize their great respect for him and their gratitude for the attention he paid them. They also note that he taught them how to use Philosophy both in their lives and in their careers in transformative ways.