October 11, 2001-Vol33n6: Education seen as UB's contribution

Education seen as UB's contribution
In convocation remarks, Greiner urges re-examination of curriculum in wake of attacks

By SUE WUETCHER
Reporter Editor

The university's greatest contribution in the wake of the terrorist attacks on America will be to educate and "enlighten" students to their responsibilities as leaders in a diverse, global society, President William R. Greiner told those attending the University Convocation on Oct. 4.

Mirzda Neiders, professor of oral diagnostic sciences in the School of Dental Medicine, receives her Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching from President William R. Greiner at the University Convocation held on Oct. 4.

Photo: Frank Miller

That education process will involve re-examining the undergraduate curriculum—the courses in World Civilization and American Pluralism, in particular, as well as offerings in political science, history, languages, literature and culture—in light of the events of Sept. 11, Greiner said.

"Now is the time for us to ask how we can use the learning and insights of the humanities, arts and social sciences to produce more enlightened citizens and leaders," he said.

Greiner used the occasion of the convocation—the annual celebration of faculty and staff achievement—to offer his views on how the university should respond to the national tragedy.

In addition to re-examining current curricula, he suggested that response should include the creation of new programs and the recruitment of faculty members who will help students learn about other cultures and areas of the world.

As the university moves into the 21st century, "perhaps we need to look more toward where our world is going, and less back from whence we believe we came," he said. "This is a good and necessary time for collegial discourse on how best to prepare our young people for a global economy and society, where differences and diversity can and should be a cause for celebration, not division and terror."

UB is committed to diversity, Greiner pointed out, with more than 3,000 students from more than 100 countries studying at the university—about 11 percent of the total enrollment. More than 500 foreign researchers and professors will visit UB this year, he said, adding that international alumni have strongly supported the university.

"UB's public is a global public, and our mission is to serve our state our nation, our world," he said.

While exchange programs in such regions of the world as the Caribbean, South and Central American, Asia and Eastern Europe have flourished in the past 10 years, "shouldn't we add strength regarding the Middle East, North African and Sub-Saharan Africa?" he asked. "This is not solely a question of effective teaching, but also of assuring UB's prominence in cutting-edge research and scholarship.

"We have seen the wretched banality of evil. We have seen how the world can change—in a horrible, horrible New York moment," he said. "Now, all UB scholars need to come together and think hard about what UB's response to Sept. 11 will be…I believe this is one of the most important inquiries we will ever make as a faculty, as a research community dedicated to the pursuit and discovery of new knowledge," he said.

"Our students truly are the hope of the future, and how we affect their lives here at UB will have a direct impact on the future course of world events."

Following Greiner's remarks and a piano interlude provided by Stephen Manes, chair of the Department of Music, and his wife, Frieda, Provost Elizabeth Capaldi recognized the three members of the faculty who were named SUNY Distinguished Professors—the highest rank in the SUNY system—during the past year. They are James B. Atleson, professor of law, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor; Sebastian G. Ciancio, professor and chair of the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor, and Roger W. Mayne, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor.

Capaldi also presented the Chancellor's Awards for Excellence to three faculty members, one librarian and four staff members.

Receiving Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Teaching were Kemper E. Lewis, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; Mirdza E. Neiders, professor of oral diagnostic sciences, and Athos Petrou, professor of physics.

Nancy Bren Nuzzo, director of the Music Library, received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship.

Receiving awards for excellence in professional service were Josephine A. Capuana, administrative director of the University Honors Program; Shelley Frederick, assistant to the vice provost for undergraduate education; Albert "Budd" Termin, head coach of the men's swim team, and James O. Whitlock, associate director of computing services, operational support services.

Ellen Shulman Baker, a NASA astronaut and 1974 graduate of UB, was unable to attend the convocation to receive a SUNY honorary doctor of science degree. Capaldi reported that NASA has suspended commercial and personal air travel for astronauts for security reasons following the terrorist attacks. She added that Baker will come to campus to receive the degree sometime in the future, possibly at commencement in May.