Master of arts graduate Joseph Carew was awarded the 2010-11 University Medal for Excellence in Grad Studies for a thesis-based master’s program during last week’s convocation ceremonies.

His achievement comes as no surprise to Dr. Sean McGrath, Mr. Carew's supervisor in the Department of Philosophy.

“When I met Joseph in 2007, he had just read Heidegger's Being and Time, one of the most difficult texts in contemporary philosophy — by himself. I suggested that he learn German. He has since become fluent not only in German but also in French. He is blessed by native intelligence and is also one of the most diligent students I have ever known,” said Dr. McGrath.

Mr. Carew is currently doing his second MA courtesy of the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship, which is allowing him to study at three different French and/or German speaking universities over a two year time period. He was the first person from Memorial to win the prestigious scholarship, but he won’t be the last.

Fellow philosophy alumnus Steven Woodworth, currently enrolled in an MA program at the University of Toronto, was pointed in the direction of the Eramus program by Mr. Carew last year. Mr. Woodworth has just been named the winner of the 2011 scholarship and will be attending the University of Luxembourg in the fall, followed by Coimbra University in Portugal.

Having spent time in Bordeaux as an English lecturer at the university (thanks to an exchange program facilitated by the Memorial Department of French and Spanish), Mr. Woodworth says he is looking forward to returning to a European way of life. He’s also excited to be splitting his time between Luxembourg and Portugal.

“When I applied I wasn’t at all expecting that I’d be spending a year in two countries I don’t know much about so I’m quite excited for that unique opportunity,” said Mr. Woodworth, a native of St. John’s.

And if that wasn’t enough good news for the department, Sarah Kraishi, who has just completed her BA (hons.) has been awarded a SSRHC J.A. Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship in the amount of $17,500.

“These achievements are a clear indication of the quality of our students and our teaching at Memorial,” said Dr. James Bradley, head of the Department of Philosophy. “They show just what humanities at Memorial can do for its students -- put them right at the top!”