McGoldrick Fellowship

Paulette Kidder is the 2019-2020 recipient of the James B. McGoldrick, S.J., Fellowship, President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., announced today. 

Named for Father McGoldrick, who died in 1983 after devoting 50 years of distinguished teaching, dedicated service to Seattle University, the fellowship is given to faculty who exemplify Fr. McGoldrick’s commitment to students and to the values of the Jesuit educational tradition. 

Currently the director of the Matteo Ricci Institute and associate professor of philosophy, Kidder (right) has been on SU’s faculty since 1989. She teaches courses on health care ethics, ethics of food, 19th century thought, feminist moral theory and the philosophy of Martha Nussbaum. Her research and numerous publications have focused on bioethics, philosophy and literature/film, contemporary continental philosophy and the dialogue between Catholic thought and contemporary philosophical movements.

“Dr. Kidder’s considerable contributions as a teacher-scholar are rivaled by her incredible service to the university,” President Sundborg wrote to faculty, staff and students. “Much as Father McGoldrick guided our institution through times of transition and challenge, Dr. Kidder has, time and again, answered the call when our university has needed her most. After having served as associate dean and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, she was appointed interim dean of Matteo Ricci in 2016 and, with a steadying hand, she led the college through its transition to the institute that she now directs.” 

College of Science and Engineering Dean Michael Quinn, who was joined by College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Powers in nominating Kidder, wrote: 

“I cannot think of a better person to receive the McGoldrick Fellowship than Dr. Paulette Kidder. She has performed extraordinary service to Seattle University. Faculty and staff across campus respect Paulette for her warmth and her integrity. She is a great listener. Paulette exemplifies the Jesuit tradition of servant leadership.” 

Kidder will be formally recognized as the 2019-2020 recipient of the McGoldrick Fellowship at SU’s annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Event in May. The fellowship, the most prestigious award SU confers on its faculty, includes a quarter or semester sabbatical.