By Dr. King Cheek

Dr. Luis Navia joined the New York Institute of Technology faculty 38 years ago. Students and his colleagues recognize him as a philosopher, inspirational teacher, published scholar and educational statesman.

In a world that is shaped by science and technology, Dr. Navia, a teacher of Philosophy and Ethics, instills in our students an understanding of what means to be a virtuous person, how to develop a deeply held sense of self and how to evaluate the goodness and badness of human character and how to behave honorably. The 400 students he teaches each year also touch others. In this sense, Dr. Navia's life is immortal because we never know where his influence stops. He personifies the expression of Edwin Markham, the Poet. “There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his own way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.” Through his inspirational teaching he indeed shapes the future of humanity.

But he also influences students and the rest of us in other ways. On a personal level he inspires me to think good thoughts.

I would rather see a sermon
Than hear one any day
What you do speaks so loudly
I cannot hear what you say
Though others will preach
About hardship and strife
I will respond with the
Evangelistic Life.

This is the creed I recognize in our colleague and friend. This is how he has inspired me to emulate his values and follow his example.

Dr. Navia has brought honor to New York Institute of Technology not only through his inspiration in the classroom but through his published scholarship as well. His most recent publication of this year, Diogenes-The Cynic , published by Humanities Books, has won rave reviews. His book, The Adventure of Philosophy , has inspired students and scholars as well. His life has been a busy one. For 31 years he has been an accreditation advisor and consultant to Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges where he has served several terms on The Commission of Higher Education. I was privileged to be in the audience when he was honored for his distinguished service to higher education by Middle States in 1995.

Though we honor Dr. Navia today for his distinction as a teacher, we must also recognize that his inspiration has not been limited to that sphere of his commitment. He is a beloved husband and parent. Those of us who know his daughters, Monica, Olga, Melissa and Soraya also experience his joy.

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