Henry Benjamin named AIC's Faculty Member of the Year

CHICOPEE Marking his 50th year on the American International

College (AIC) campus as student and educator, Henry A. Benjamin of Chicopee has been selected by AIC graduate and continuing education students as "Faculty Member of the Year."

Benjamin is a graduate of AIC, having received his bachelor of arts degree in biology in 1959 and master's degree in education in 1962. He has taught biology and chemistry classes at AIC for over 30 years and retired in 1997.

However, Benjamin's great devotion and passion for teaching brought him back to AIC as a part time faculty member, teaching a successful course called, Biology of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

"I am so honored and very grateful," Benjamin said. "It is truly a pleasure to be recognized by the students, and it makes me so happy."

According to Roland Holstead, dean of continuing education, the faculty are nominated by students and it is a special honor for professors.

"Henry Benjamin is a remarkable educator, and there was an overwhelming response by students to recognized Henry for his passion of teaching," Holstead said.

Benjamin thanked students and expressed his gratitude for AIC.

He also told the audience at a congratulatory dinner May 16 at AIC that he and his wife, Fran, met in biology class at AIC 50 years ago this year.

"Every individual student counts, and it has been my continuous job to help them to learn to be successful," he said. "AIC will teach all of its students to be successful, and I'm happy to be part of the AIC family."

Apart from Benjamin's course, Biology of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, he is a volunteer and practitioner of therapeutic touch to help sooth HIV/AIDS victims in the Greater Springfield area.

"Each HIV/AIDS patient whom I treat with therapeutic touch feels that he or she is receiving special and personal attention," Benjamin said. "I am lucky to help them on their journey to live a healthier life style."

Deeply moved by his patients and his students, Benjamin plans to continue teaching the HIV/AIDS course at AIC and also plans to practice therapeutic touch for many years to come.

"My patients and the hope for an HIV/AIDS cure has captured my spirit," Benjamin added. "I feel that I have found a new passion and purpose to help those who need it most, and I desire to teach AIC students who can spread the word about this epidemic."