majors to consider the impact of science on society by presenting a seminar series, hosting a Science Writer in Residence, and developing new courses.
Scientists need to understand the ethical, political, and religious context in which science operates in order to judge how scientific endeavors can best advance the common good, says Biology Professor Robert Dawley. “The Center for Science and Other panelists included Steven Altschuler, M.D., CEO of Children’s the Common Good will ensure that Ursinus science majors acquire this Hospital of Philadelphia; Kevin judgment by encouraging them to Flynn, Founder and President of make the most of the liberal educaHealthCare Advocates; Ursinus trustee Robert Sing, D.O., a critical tion that Ursinus offers,” says Dawley. “By creating new courses and care surgeon specializing in sports medicine, acute care, and emergen- fellowship programs, and by bringcy medicine; and Karl Stark, Health ing to campus prominent speakers and science writers, the Center will and Science Editor for The Philaengage science majors more closely delphia Inquirer. President Fong than ever with the humanities and introduced the event, and Rebecca Jaroff, associate professor of English, social sciences on campus. For the judgment that our future scientists moderated the panel discussion. Carol Cirka, associate professor and so urgently need can come only chair of the Business and Economics from a truly interdisciplinary and liberal education.” department, organized the event. Thirteen student Fellows of the Center have been selected from a diverse group of applicants. They range from a student who worked in clinics in India, to a football quarterback who tutors youths and Ursinus hosted founder of the first is interested in medicine, to a VietNorth American chapter of Doctors namese student who wants to return Without Borders, Richard Heinzl. to Vietnam to work in health care, The Nobel Peace Prize-winning or- to the organic farm director who ganization has inspired a movement works with bees. among medical professionals to help the world’s most vulnerable populations. Heinzl founded the chapter in 1988, just out of medical school, and shortly thereafter he became its first field volunteer, spending an A winner of the 1997 Pulitzer Prize extraordinary year in remote Cam- for his series of medical narratives, bodia. His experiences are captured Life Choices, Mike Vitez spoke to Ursinus students in December. in his memoir, Cambodia Calling. A staff writer at The Philadelphia Hundreds of volunteers have since Inquirer since 1985, Vitez presented followed in his footsteps. ‘Storytelling is our Salvation! My Heinzl’s talk was sponsored by The life as a journalist and how I came Ursinus College Center for Science to love medical narratives.’ In a world overrun with facts, websites, and the Common Good which cable channels, press releases and is funded by an $800,000 grant noise, Vitez believes the best way from the Howard Hughes Medito reach people is through stories. cal Institute. The goal is to provide opportunities for all Ursinus science The Center for Science and the
Heinzl First Speaker for Center for Science and the Common Good
Pulitzer PrizeWinning Journalist Michael Vitez
Ursinus ‘Pause for Paws’ a Big, Barking Success Photo | Monica Reuman 2015
the goal of enabling consumers to make informed choices as the health care market becomes increasingly market-driven. Health care leaders from the Philadelphia area discussed these issues, including Larry R. Kaiser, M.D., FACS, CEO of Temple University Health System and Dean of the Temple University School of Medicine, who offered the keynote address.
Ali Hrasok 2013 brought her dog, Molly, to Pause for Paws and Jamie Faselt 2015 shared a dog hug on October 9.
An event bringing students and dogs together on Olin Plaza was a perfect chance to keep them from missing their beloved pets back home this fall. In an effort to offer an opportunity for stress-reducing time with animals, Brenda Lederach, Lecturer in the Psychology Department, coordinated the first Ursinus Pause for Paws gathering. The idea was brought to her by Dean Terry Winegar. More than 20 dogs belonging to staff and faculty happily arrived for free biscuits and lots of pats on the head. “I was very pleased with how the Bow Wow Pow Wow went,” says Lederach, a Wellness House faculty mentor. “We had more than 20 dogs attend the party. We had another party down in the Straussburger Commons with Domenick Scudera, Professor of Theater, and his dogs. All the dogs were well behaved and if the students had tails I believe they would have been wagging them.” Professor Joel Bish brought his rescue dog, Frankie, a mini daschund. “We both loved it,” says Dr. Bish, Chair of the Neuroscience program. “Nice to see how many animal lovers there are in the student body. I heard many students state how this made their day.” Students who flocked to the dog party talked about their own pets at home in New Jersey, Florida and Connecticut. This shared bond and common affection for dogs was a great opportunity for the Ursinus community to connect. Assistant Professor of English Elizabeth Ho brought her basset hound, Momar. “I heard multiple times from the students that this was the ‘best day ever’ – which seems to suggest that we should have this event again and often,” says Dr. Ho, who is pretty confident that Momar had a great time playing with Ursinus dogs and students. But with basset hounds, how do you tell? - Kathryn Campbell WINTER 2013 Page 5