National Jurist - October 2008 - (Page 14) Committed to teaching Though on the campaign trail, Democratic vice presidential pick Senator Joe Biden still makes time for his constitutional law class at Widener University School of Law he morning of September 6 wasn’t any different for students attending their weekly constitutional law seminar at Widener University School of Law’s Delaware campus. Except that Senator Joe Biden showed up to teach. Biden has been teaching the class since the early 1990s, and has coBy Michelle Weyenberg t a u g h t the class with Bob Hayman for the past six years. After Biden was selected as the democratic vice presSenator Joe Biden, longtime faculty member at Widener University School of Law, surprised idential pick, it was unclear if his constitutional law students when he showed up to teach the course on September 6. he would be able to fulfill his Biden co-teaches the course with Bob Hayman and is committed to teaching more courses teaching duties while on the during the campaign. campaign trail. But Dean Linda Ammons said Biden is scheduled to teach half of “It’s an historic moment for our law “He wants students to know how things the classes. school,” she said. “We are excited for him really work, but also to think about how “It was a lovely surprise when he as we would be for any potential vice presi- they could work and to decide for themarrived,” she said. “But it’s not a surprise dential candidate.” selves how they should work.” that he did arrive.” Hayman said the classroom dynamic And his student evaluations show proof Ammons said they are honored and hasn’t changed much since the announce- of his love and dedication of teaching pleased to have one of their long-time ment of Biden’s nomination. through the years. faculty members in the nomination for “He obviously brings an incredible “He’s a very dedicated teacher and a vice president. wealth of practical experience,” he said. very valuable and valued member of the faculty,” Ammons said. “He takes his teaching very seriously and is very gracious with his time.” Hayman agrees that working with Biden has been an exciting time. “Partly it’s the joy of getting to learn Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of from him,” he said. “There aren’t many Delaware is currently serving his folks who understand the workings of our sixth term in the Senate and was constitutional democracy, both in theory first elected in 1972. The seminar and in practice, the way that he does. But on issues in constitutional law is partly it’s getting to share his passion for one of the most popular seminars teaching.” offered at Widener Law’s Delaware Biden has also taken classroom time to campus. Dean Ammons said there discuss and learn what students are thinkis always a waiting list of students ing. hoping that a seat will open. “And they are rarely shy about speaking their minds,” Hayman said. Did you know? 14 THE NATIONAL JURIST October 2008 http://www.law.widener.edu http://www.law.widener.edu
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