Lehigh University - Epitome Yearbook (Bethlehem, PA)

Page 18 text:

o u Q ROBERT SULLIVAN If is f ie personal contact with students that makes teaching an enjoyable job. It keeps the teacher from becoming too immersed in his subject matter and makes him aware of why he is teaching in the first place - to help students improve their skills in whatever way, and to whatever degree he can. Simply stated above is Journalism Professor Robert Sullivan ' s teaching philosophy, to which he has steadfastly subscribed throughout his 15 years at Lehigh. His con- tribution to the world of academe is a keen ability to balance a strong adherence to scholastic rigor with a special sensitivity to his students ' individual needs. It is in honor of Sullivan ' s personal approach to education, which is so valuable in shaping our sense of self, that we dedicate to him the chapter Who We Are. Al- though Sullivan ' s course work is tough, and his grading even tougher, he has a pro- found understanding of his students ' different abilities, fragile egos and normal bouts with self-doubt. Part of his philosophy is the expressed belief that the most effective teaching is done outside the classroom, and Sullivan is never too busy for academic, professional and even personal guidance. He is regarded highly as both a teacher and a friend by faculty and students alike. Professor Sullivan is an exemplary model for all professions, for he is an educator of both the mind and heart because he makes the essential effort to reach out to all his students. 14

Page 17 text:

4 H TMTfllWHlifiTWlWriTir life TBI FJstt am HP m Wsmm ■ ■ BR 1 Kffi§ ■Sloes sBEes H JB ■I KaSKtSKl ■ ' To be nobody but yourself in a world that is trying desperately night and day to make you everybody else; means to fight the hardest battle ever fought and to never stop fighting ' — Cummings mm

Page 19 text:

MURIEL WHITCOMB All aspects of Lehigh ' s student life have witnessed exciting improvements during the past year. And it ' s no coincidence that the same year saw an energetic, highly committed woman join the ranks of the University administration. Of course we ' re talking about Assistant Dean of Students Muriel Whitcomb, who has endeared herself to the students with her eagerness to listen and her willingness to help. Not to mention her insistence on being called Mert instead of Dean. Besides a congenial informality Mert brought to Lehigh great dedication to im- proving the quality of student life. And in recognition of all her accomplishments in one short year we dedicate to her the chapter What We Do. A look at those accomplishments is truly amazing and inspirational. Mert is re- sponsible for the enlightening student-faculty discussions which included the Pres- idential election debates and capital punishment. In addition Mert coordinated Earth Day, a rape prevention education program, compiled a lighting report and helped organize L.U.V. Olympic Day. The list goes on and according to Mert so will she, as she explains, There ' s a lot more to be done. We look forward to her future contributions and ask only one question: How do you do it all, and do it so well? EDWARD GALLAGHER Once technological advancements were accepted uncritically into our lives. But in the wake of progress, pervasive damage has been left in the form of pollution, technological warfare, and specialization. And we ' ve finally realized we can no longer be complacent. One man at Lehigh has been in the forefront of helping students realize the im- pact of technology on the quality of our lives. Associate Professor of English Edward Gallagher has managed in his two-year tenure as director of the Humanities Perspectives on Technology (HPT) program, to build the discipline into a full- fledged minor. Gallagher ' s commitment to HPT is rooted in his concern over the aspects of technology which threaten how we live. It is therefore fitting that we acknowledge that commitment by dedicating to Ed Gallagher the chapter on How We Live. After teaching a variety of courses, from Science Fiction to Technology and Human Values, Gallagher admits his own views on technology are mixed. Although he could not live without many of the technological conveniences he expresses a concern, apparent in many HPT courses, over the ills wrought by technology. He is especially worried about students who cannot think and work on their own, and about a society which is dying in terms of meaningful activity. Gaining acceptance at a University with a national reputation for engineering was not an easy feat, since many people at Lehigh view HPT as purely anti- technological. But it is Gallagher ' s convictions that have helped HPT become a per- manent fixture here. As he maintains, Technology is so big and so powerful it must be carefully scrutinized, for doubt leads to inquiry and inquiry to truth. 15