AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
“A Special Tribute to Robert L. Holmes,” The Acorn: Journal of the Gandhi-King Society, Vol. XIV, No. 2, Fall-Winter, 2011-2012.
“War, Morality, Nonviolence: A Conference in Honor of Robert L. Holmes” at College of the Holy Cross, Worcester MA, April 8-9, 2011.
“The Philosophy of Nonviolence: A Symposium in Honor of Robert Holmes” at University of Rochester, April 18, 2009 (at his retirement from teaching).
Peace Studies Faculty Paper of the Year, “Understanding Evil from the Perspective of Nonviolence,” Central New York State Peace Consortium, 2009.
Professor of the Year in Humanities (voted by students), University of Rochester 2009.
Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, University of Rochester, 2007.
Professor of the Year in Humanities (voted by students), University of Rochester, 2006.
Edward Peck Curtiss Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, University of Rochester, 2001.
Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professor, University of Rochester, 1995-1998 (concurrent with regular appointment).
University Mentor, University of Rochester, for distinction in teaching and research. 1985
First prize (co-winner) for essay, “Violence and Nonviolence,” Council for Philosophical Studies competition on the topic of violence. Jurors: HLA Hart, John Rawls, Henry Aiken. Published in J. Shaffer, ed., Violence, David McKay, 1971.
2007 Convocation and Acceptance speech for the Goergen Award for Excellence, University of Rochester
Tribute by a student presenting Professor Holmes with the Professor of the Year in Humanities award, 2009:
It can be said of few people that their very existence is community service.
It is difficult to find a current article discussing ethics, social theory, or nonviolence without mention of Robert Holmes. With his extensive international involvement, he is a tremendous gift and resource to our community.
Beyond his remarkable work for the development of a global culture of nonviolence, Professor Holmes has earned the Edward Peck Curtis Award for Undergraduate Teaching, the Professor of the Year Award in Humanities, and the Goergen Award for Distinguished Achievement and Artistry in Undergraduate Teaching. Professor Holmes is also one of the only professors to have received perfect or near perfect reviews since the university began student reviews seven years ago.
Professor Holmes wrote of the late Professor Richard Taylor, “it may be that his greatest impact was upon undergraduates.” This is true of our own professor. He inspires us to be better people by examining our own ethics and believing in the world we know is possible. We’ve been moved into action and will continue to do as Professor Holmes has taught us, to create a society of imagination and nonviolence.
Professor Holmes’ service to humanity is profound. His service to the University of Rochester community is without comparison.
In the words of students on written surveys:
“I personally owe Professor Holmes for my renewed faith in the power of people to shape the world for a better place.”
“Students learn how to live peaceful lives from both his lesson plans and his example.”
“I consider it an honor and particularly rare opportunity to know and study under Professor Holmes. A deep love of wisdom is reflected in his teaching, and instead of learning factoids, I have gained an entirely new way of thinking about the world.”
“Professor Holmes’ teaching on the philosophy of nonviolence has quite literally changed the course of my life. His kindness, sincerity, and devotion to students and community members alike continue to inspire me as I begin my career in public service.”
“I have never felt more challenged or moved by any class as I have been by Professor Holmes’. In a way, he never really lectures, not in the traditional sense. Instead, he has a way of letting the truth reveal itself, and of helping to guide students towards it, if they so choose.”
“Amazing. Wise. Inspiring. Life-changing. Awesome.”
"Before transferring to Rochester this spring semester, I read "[On] War and Morality." Its message is timeless and still relevant today, of course. I also recently began reading "Pacifism: A Political Philosophy on Nonviolence." I can't wait to delve deeper into it, but from what I've read, it's absolutely captivating. My horizons are truly expanding thanks to your incredible work."