An International Approach to an Arts and Sciences Education

It is a privilege to share with you the spring issue of Acumen. I continue to be proud of the College’s work to elevate its position within academe and have an international impact. Building on an extraordinary base of faculty, we continue to make great advances in research and scholarship that will improve our lives and broaden our understanding of the world around us.

My pride might seem strange at a time when so many voices in the media and politics extol the virtues of technical education. Yet, all successful careers and civic lives require the components found in a globally engaged liberal arts education — critical thinking, teamwork, an ability to appreciate alternate perspectives, and sensitivity to cultural, economic, and societal differences. Locally, we engage with the community and develop curriculum that provides our students with experiences in a changing society. Inside this issue of Acumen you will discover the efforts of Dong-Ning Wang ’98G, an adjunct professor of Chinese in the department of modern languages and literatures, who spearheaded a collaborative project with nearby Touchstone Theater to develop a two-part play about integrating Chinese and American cultures. You will also learn about Peter Navario ’96, who has spent much of his career working on issues surrounding the delivery of health care to HIV patients in Africa. And Jennifer Long ’93, who works with prosecutors to fight gender-based violence globally.

Equally important, faculty scholarship shapes and informs teaching. Our students are direct beneficiaries of our research as we integrate teaching with opportunities for experiential learning. The university has encouraged our efforts to establish the Global Studies program, as evidenced by faculty whose research is focused on areas that include global communication, politics and social structures, and culture and identity. Our international work attracts students from around the world, students like Hnin Su Mon, a sociology graduate student and Fulbright scholar who is exploring the ongoing ethnic and religious conflict in her country of Myanmar. 

This issue in many ways also highlights the kind of scholarship and community I want to champion as dean. In remembrance of Malcolm X’s assassination in 1965, the Africana Studies program and political science department collaborated on a three-day international conference exploring the civil rights leader’s legacy. Sessions were well attended and many of the lectures were streamed live, reaching participants in nearly 30 countries.

Research is vital to the life of any premier university and our discoveries have lasting impacts on the world beyond our campus. The world is experiencing major changes that cross borders and cultures and our alumni and faculty are actively working to meet and embrace these challenges. The work we do is impossible without the interest and support of our alumni. As educators, we motivate our students to think, feel, and act in ways that will help define who they are as individuals and leave a lasting impact on the world around them. Our alumni go on and make wonderful things happen.

This issue of Acumen highlights many College alumni, students, and faculty who are agents of change. It casts a spotlight on their talents and commitments. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I have. I invite you to learn more about how alumni can play a role in these types of programs. As Lehigh alumni, you can help shape the future of today’s, and tomorrow’s, students.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.

Sincerely,

Donald E. Hall
Herbert and Ann Siegel Dean