As St. Joseph’s University, New York mourns the loss of Richard J. Torz, M.A., Ph.D., associate professor of economics, the institution decided to honor his life and legacy by establishing The Professor Richard Torz Award for Excellence in Economics, an annual award given to a graduating senior who demonstrates excellence in the study of economics at SJNY.
Presented to Aaohi Poudel ’26, an economics major and 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) recipient, the inaugural award was established to commemorate Dr. Torz, who served as a longtime member of the University community and was a fixture on the Brooklyn Campus.
The Life and Legacy of Richard Torz, M.A., Ph.D.
Dr. Torz was known for his steadfast leadership both inside and outside the classroom, taking lead of the Brooklyn Agenda Committee as well as running SJNY’s faculty meetings for more than two decades.
From a student perspective, he was as involved as any professor could be, serving for years as a member of the Academic Development Committee, helping students improve their studies and remain academically engaged.
According to SJNY Brooklyn Campus Executive Dean and Professor of Economics Phillip Dehne, Ph.D., many students who would go on to become economics majors were enticed into doing so by their experiences in one of Dr. Torz’s classes.
“At one time or another, Richard taught every course in the economics catalog,” said Dr. Dehne. “It should also be noted that he regularly taught graduate courses for the Department of Graduate Management Studies. Anyone in his classes could tell that he really loved to teach, and especially to work with extremely talented students like Aarohi, who received this initial award.”
A Scholar. A Mentor. A Friend.
Dr. Torz was a member of the Northeast Business and Economics Association and the Eastern Economic Association, where he served on the board of directors and the conference program committee, respectively.
With a specialization in the economics of the European Union (EU) and the European Monetary Union (EMU), Dr. Torz’s most recent research interests involved the analysis of pertinent issues related to the EU and EMU. He would often present during annual conferences hosted by the Eastern Economics Association, in addition to seminars held at SJNY.
“Richard personified all that is great about St. Joseph’s University,” said SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D. “He was kind and supportive to his colleagues, respectful to our staff and an inspiration to his students. A fine scholar and dedicated teacher, Richard was a dynamic and positive force on our campus, and in the world. I am very proud to have been able to call him my friend, and we will all miss him terribly.”
Congratulations to Aarohi Poudel ’26
In what felt like a full circle moment, Aarohi Poudel was given the honor of receiving the inaugural award memorializing her mentor. Last summer, Dr. Torz acted as Poudel’s faculty adviser as she conducted research as part of SJNY’s SURF program.
“The Economic Costs of Legal Ambiguity in Corporate Law: A Comparative Analysis of the US and Germany,” Poudel’s 2025 research project, analyzed how the legal uncertainty that stems from broadly worded laws or inconsistent interpretations of laws can affect business decisions.
“Dr. Torz meant so much to me,” said Poudel. “He not only helped me with my coursework but shaped my love for economics. The research I did with him over the summer just feels so much more meaningful now.”
Poudel was among this year’s graduates who received their degrees during SJNY’s 107th Commencement Ceremony, which also took a moment to honor the late Dr. Richard J. Torz.
