James A. Lydon was an extremely productive member of the LaGuardia ESL faculty from 1982 until his untimely death in 1991. In that time he made significant contributions to the College as, for example, in his pivotal role in the creation of the NYC Taxi Drivers’ Institute in early 1980’s. In the later years of that decade he served as Coordinator of the ESL Program. As such, he helped to shape the ESL Curriculum and was an eloquent voice for the Program in the College and in the larger forums of CUNY and national and international professional organizations. He was also an outstanding advocate for students and a talented and dedicated educator. He had particular interest in low-level ESL students and took meticulous care of them. A tireless scholar, he passed away when he was working on his doctorate. He was a loved and respected faculty member of LaGuardia.
James A. Lydon Memorial Award is offered to students graduating with the highest grade point average who began their college career in ESL.
Source: http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/facultycouncil/awards-scholarships.aspx