Distinguished Professor Award, 2021
Franklin Pierce School of Law
UNH Franklin Pierce Law School lost one of its greatest teachers and mentors in February, 2021. Marcus, as he was called, taught for more than 40 years and it’s not an exaggeration to say that he was an expert in virtually the entire law curriculum. He taught over 18 different classes. Professor Hurn taught a diverse group of courses that rely on different areas of substantive expertise. Contracts, contract design, property, administrative process, and business associations are among the courses that he regularly taught. He lectured in the Daniel Webster Scholar mini-series on conflicts of law, negotiable instruments, and secured transactions. These lectures have been instrumental in helping DWS students prepare to practice in New Hampshire.
He was the consummate law professor, in his three-piece suit and bow tie with the cascading questioning of a true Socratic scholar. His genius in the classroom was his intricate knowledge of just about all legal history and how the various legal fields all fit together. Professor Hurn would take his students on a journey through the ages and leave them with knowledge of how law developed historically and worked practically.
Professor Hurn was an expert in New Hampshire jurisprudence. He focused on the New Hampshire Constitution and its taxing provisions as well as in aspects of real property. He was a leading expert on LGBTQ+ rights and authored and advocated for numerous pieces of legislation that are law today.
The law school community will never be the same. Marcus appeared a stogy and aloof professor, until one got to know him. Generations of students knew he was deeply caring, a wonderful mentor and an advocate for all students.
About this Award
The purpose of this award is to identify and honor longstanding members of the UNH faculty. This singular university-wide award will be given each year to the faculty member whose overall record of excellent teaching, caring about students, devotion to the university community, and substantial record of scholarly achievement exemplifies what we would call a "distinguished longstanding career" at UNH. Each year there will be no more than one Distinguished Professor Award. Long-term UNH tenure-track faculty members at the rank of professor are eligible.
