Stephen Aylward, 57, professor at Saint Joseph's College

PORTLAND - Stephen Aylward, a popular and respected professor at Saint Joseph's College who was instrumental in developing Portland's Riverton Rail Trail, died Thursday from injuries he suffered in a car accident. He was 57.

Mr. Aylward taught history and political science at Saint Joseph's College in Standish for the past four years. He was remembered by colleagues Monday as a dedicated teacher and scholar who connected with his students, particularly in the area of political theory.

Dr. Jonathan Malmude, an assistant professor of history at Saint Joseph's, said Mr. Aylward had a way of relating political science to other fields, such as history, business, sociology, theology and classical studies.

"He could connect with students intellectually and demonstrate practical explanations of the discipline," Malmude said. "His perceptions were really based on a true commitment to the common good. (He was) balanced and measured in the way he approached things. He was a really good teacher."...