Connecting to our roots as we celebrate shared progress
This fall marks the inaugural year of La Salle's spectacular new $31,000,000 science and technology center-- home to the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science and Physics, Integrated Science, Business and Technology (ISBT), Mathematics, Computer Science and Digital Arts. The totally renovated and expanded facility offers amazing teaching, learning and research spaces. Stunning views of campus and the Philadelphia skyline are apparent from the corner laboratories on the second and third floors of the building. We invite each of you to come into the building and visit the different floors. Ask a faculty member to show you around. We are so excited about our new home!
In honor of this major campus transformation, a yearlong celebration of science, technology and mathematics is planned to celebrate this new beginning for La Salle. A committee, composed of Michael Prushan (Chemistry), Conrad Gleber (DART), Bill Weaver (ISBT) and Stefan Samuelwicz (Biology), have been exploring ways in which we can not only celebrate the fields of science, technology and mathematics, but also share the many treasures of these disciplines with the entire La Salle community. The committee has come up with a series of initiatives, seminars and celebratory events designed to bring the sciences to life on campus and to help science and non-science scholars alike understand how what we do connects to the world around us.
Our primary goal for this year's Celebration of Science is to enhance the intellectual culture of the university by bridging the gap between the sciences and other disciplines. Our vision involves collaborations between more than those housed in the new center. We are determined to foster cross-disciplinary creativity with departments such as religion, humanities, arts, social sciences and business. With this vision in mind, our schedule of events specifically includes speakers who embody this approach.
The following will give you a preview of some ways we plan to "celebrate science" throughout this academic year. We hope you will join in the celebration, regardless of your claimed scientific background. Welcome to a new academic year, a new building, and many new connections!
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September 21st-- Is there truly “Grandeur in this View of Life?”, Reflections on Evolution, Life, and Faith, Ken Miller, Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Brown University, and author of Finding Darwin’s God and Only a Theory.
Dr. Miller, a practicing Roman Catholic, is a leading figure in the battle against the Intelligent Design movement. Dr. Miller will lecture on the truth and beauty of evolution and its connection to the Divine. He will spend the entire day on campus, visiting both science and religion classes. He will give a public lecture, participate in an Explorer Café with a reception to follow. More information to follow.
Every Wednesday at 3 pm in the Holroyd Hall Atrium (1st floor).
These events were planned in collaboration with the Essential Question initiative. The café events will alternate weekly between presentations and discussions of the Essential Question and topics of science, technology and mathematics. Whenever possible connections between disciplines will be emphasized. Each café will be organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A “speaker” will give a brief presentation and sometimes show a short video clip to kick off discussion. Be sure to check out Explorer Café to learn more about upcoming events.
We have also planned a series of talks which showcase the connection between the humanities and the sciences. We are currently finalizing plans with the art museum to sponsor events. Two examples of which are the role of chemistry in art preservation, and a fabric dying demonstration workshop. We will also be announcing an Art and Science photography contest, open to the entire university. Check back for more details on these and other art and science collaborations.
Click on link to view the potential of Science and Art united.
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