Laura Rediehs
Assistant Professor and Chair of Philosophy

"I have loved teaching here!" says Laura Rediehs, who joined the philosophy department in 1999.

At St. Lawrence, it has been easier to break through that veneer of politeness in order to tap into a more authentic level of engagement with ideas. I really like trying to facilitate lively discussions that make connections between the philosophical ideas we study and the issues that really matter in our lives.

"Overall I get the sense that people care passionately about important issues," says Rediehs. "I think that it is important and good that we try to discuss meaningful questions about life, learning, and community."

In addition to her philosophy courses, Rediehs also teaches a peace-related course in the First-Year Program. In 2003, she received the Maslow Award, which is given annually to a member of the faculty who has shown the most interest in and understanding of the education and welfare of the student body as a whole.

Rediehs is also a member of the St. Lawrence Early Music Ensemble, playing historical flutes, recorders and crumhorns. "I really love the warm, mellow tone of the 18 th and 19 th century wooden flutes," says Rediehs. "It’s fun to play Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music on instruments much like those that existed in those times."