|
In Harold T. Shapiro's book, A Larger Sense of Purpose: Higher Education and Society, two major themes stand out: universities have a responsibility to serve current society, and they also have a responsibility to change society, to create progress.
"They (universities) have an inherent responsibility to promote new ideas and urge society to think a little differently, to think of how the status quo can be changed in a positive way and to always be a little uncomfortable with the current situation," Shapiro writes.
William H. Danforth, John C. Danforth, and P. Roy Vagelos — the three speakers in this fall's "Higher Sense of Purpose" lecture series — have not only embraced these values but have dedicated their lives to shaping progress in their respective fields. All three are leaders in their fields and all have had a profound influence on our society — now global in scope.
The principles that have propelled a Midwestern university to world-wide distinction — especially in the realm of medical research — are the same ones that have contributed to the quest for pharmaceutical discoveries to reduce disease and mortality rates. In today's global society, medicine, politics, and business are inextricably linked, and our progress as a country will undoubtedly be influenced by future leaders in these fields.
The Social Impact of a University
Thursday, April 5, 2007, 4:30 p.m.
Brown Lounge, Brown Hall
George Warren Brown School of Social Work
Jonathan F. Fanton, Ph.D., President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
As the former president of the New School for Social Research, author of The University and Civil Society, and leader of a foundation that works with academic institutions and community organizations around the world, Dr. Fanton advances ideas for individual, university, community, and social impact. He will discuss the important contribution universities can make to social and economic progress at the local, national, and international level. A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture.
RSVP to Jenny Kraus-Smith or (314) 935-7573.
The Social Responsibility of Business
Monday, Nov. 13, 2006, 4 p.m.
Graham Chapel
As the head of the pharmaceutical giant Merck from 1985 to 1994, P. Roy Vagelos led the company through an unprecedented period of drug discovery and financial success. Combining his medical research background and his much-heralded leadership of a firm that was voted "the most admired company in the U.S," seven times during his tenure, he is among the few who can prove that good business and a social conscience are not only compatible, but are strongly linked.
Vagelos' talk will be followed by a panel of Washington University-associated business experts, including Mahendra Gupta, Dean and Geraldine J. and Robert L. Virgil Professor of Accounting and Management in the Olin School of Business; Judi McLean Parks, Reuben C. and Anne Carpenter Taylor Professor of Organizational Behavior in the Olin School of Business, and Philip Needleman, former chief scientist of Monsanto/Searle and former head of the department of pharmacology at the School of Medicine. A question-and-answer session will follow, and the event will conclude with a reception in Holmes Lounge.
Faith & Politics
Monday, Oct 16, 2006, 4 p.m.
Graham Chapel
John C. "Jack" Danforth, the three-term Republican U.S. Senator from Missouri and former U.N. Ambassador, will deliver the second lecture of the series. For the senior statesman and ordained Episcopal priest, the dangers of mixing religion and politics are apparent. In his new book, Faith & Politics: How the 'Moral Values' Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together, Danforth emerges as a voice of moderation and reason. With grace and civility, he suggests ways to move toward a more secular Republican Party that restores peoples' trust in government, and to recover from the divisiveness driving American politics today.
For this event, Danforth will discuss points raised in his book and conduct a question-and-answer session. A book signing/reception will follow in Holmes Lounge. His book will be available for purchase immediately after this program, in both Graham Chapel and Holmes Lounge.
Medicine & Society
Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 4 p.m.
Graham Chapel
The lecture series' first program and will be presented by William H. Danforth, M.D. Danforth served as Washington University's chancellor from 1971 to 1995 and has been pivotal in charting the University's progress for four decades. He is also a medical scientist. With this background, Danforth is uniquely qualified to address the critical need for educating future medical practitioners and for continuing the advancement of medical research and patient care.
Joining Danforth on stage will be Steven Lipstein, president and CEO of BJC Inc.; Bradley Stoner, associate professor of anthropology in Arts & Sciences and Medicine; and Larry Shapiro, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, and dean of the School of Medicine, who will add their comments for consideration. A question-and-answer session will follow. The event will conclude with a reception in the Women's Building Lounge.
All Danforth Lecture Series events are free and open to the public.
Please call (314) 935-5285 for more details about individual programs.
|
