Lehigh University - Epitome Yearbook (Bethlehem, PA)

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ADMINISTRATION FACULTY

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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

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