Bruce J. Dierenfield, PhD, is the 2013 recipient of the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award. Conferred by the Alumni Association, the award annually recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence and outstanding contributions to the academic world.
Dierenfield is a professor of history, and renowned among students for his rich academic knowledge on U.S. history and specifically the Civil Rights Movement, about which he has authored or co-authored five books. His coursework is intellectually rigorous yet complemented by the great care and creativity he takes to bring his lectures to life.
Dierenfield is also the dynamic and innovative director of the All-College Honors Program. Under his leadership, it’s reached new levels of excellence, introducing students to educational and cultural experiences that can only be discovered outside the classroom.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of St. Olaf College, Dierenfield holds a PhD in American history from the University of Virginia. He is a member of DiGamma Honor Society. The prestigious society is comprised of students, faculty and alumni who distinguish themselves in their work to advance thecollege and who provide exemplary service on behalf of students and alumni. Dierenfield is also a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society.
