The chair would honor the college's senior faculty member who died Jan. 16, after a battle with cancer. Professor Stahl was a beloved professor and mentor, arts patron, and active member of the Manchester community. She also was internationally renowned for her research in paleoichthyology, the study of extinct fish species.
"This will be a permanent testament to Barbara Stahl's scholarship, her incredible breadth of learning and her devotion to teaching," Dr. David Stahl said, in announcing the chair during a recent tribute for his late wife. "She was determined to do something of worth in the world and this hilltop campus turned out to be the locale."
College President Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., said the science and humanities chair would be a fitting tribute to the exceptional scholar and educator who spent 50 years on the Saint Anselm faculty.
"Barbara Stahl was a scholar who devoted her considerable talents to the investigation of vertebrate anatomy and paleoichthyology, building an international reputation for herself and Saint Anselm College," Fr. Jonathan said. "She also had a devotion to teaching students not only in science, but in the humanities, as well, convinced as she was that cultural education, music and the arts particularly, would ultimately produce the right kind of graduate."
In its fundraising efforts, the college will reach out specifically to colleagues, former students, staff and friends in the Manchester community. The Stahl family plans a major contribution and encourages those inspired by Barbara Stahl to join them in honoring a beloved professor. For information on how to participate, please contact Sandra Seney at (603) 641-7196.