Alumni Magazine - Spring 2008 - (Page 7)

ON CAMPUS campus visits. And just recently, New York Times columnist Tom Friedman had a pie thrown in his face because a student didn’t agree with his views on globalization. Are you concerned that the level of public discourse is becoming more uncivil? lecture SALLY RIDE’S VISIT INSPIRES FUTURE PIONEERS Well, nobody would waste a pie on me. They can see by looking at my profile that I like pies too much to do that. I just might open wide, and they’d have to go get another pie. Occasionally, there are people who are less civil, who express themselves in ways I wouldn’t, and in ways that I was not taught. But that’s been true throughout the history of America. A recent Associated Press story reported that harsh interrogation techniques employed by the Bush administration were approved at the highest levels. There was very little reaction from the mainstream media and the American public. Dr. Sally Ride, the ﬁrst American woman to orbit the earth, visited Lehigh University on Tuesday, April 8. Since she boarded the space shuttle Challenger on June 18, 1983, the astronaut has been a role model for a generation of young women. “Science education is really important just to thirds of all fourth grade students enjoy scicreate scientifically literate citizens, so that ence, but students lose interest before they today’s students will be able to function, to enter high school. “At Sally Ride Science, we contribute, and to make sound decisions in a try to show students that science is creative, it society that is increasingly surrounded by sciis collaborative, that it’s a lot of fun, and that ence and technology,” said Ride during the it’s connected to the real world.” College of Education’s 2008 Distinguished Before addressing a sold-out crowd of more Lecture Series. than 1,000 people at Zoellner Arts Center, “The kids who are growing up today will Ride met with 16 girls from Bethlehem elehave to vote on issues and make decisions that mentary schools. A few members of the affect their lives directly and that have a basis Lehigh community joined the conversation in science and technology,” she said. “They about science and space exploration. need to have some background and a way to The informal session capped off a round of understand those issues.” interactive science activities for local elemenIt’s not just about understanding climate change, Ride explained. Students should be introduced to science earlier, at an age when young girls can cast aside traditional stereotypes. “Dr. Ride brings an incredible level of enthusiasm for science education and is such an inspirational figure,” says J. Gary Lutz, interim dean at the College of Education. “She brings with her such a tremendous commitment to America’s youth. It’s an empowering message, and we’re honored Sally Ride discussed her 1983 journey into space during the College of that she could share it with the Education’s 2008 Distinguished Lecture Series. Lehigh community.” It’s been a lifelong quest for Ride, who retary school students. For two months, Gary turned to space in 1984 before her induction DeLeo, professor of physics, and a few graduinto the National Women’s Hall of Fame in ate students have conducted workshops at each 1988. school. Dr. Kristin Wecht, an alumna from For the past seven years, Ride has sought that department, also participated in the outto make a difference in young girls’ lives—and reach program designed around Ride’s visit. in society’s perceptions of their roles—through “This was one of the most rewarding outher organization Sally Ride Science. reach programs I’ve been a part of,” says “All we need to do is find ways to sustain DeLeo, who has been Lehigh’s director of sciand support that interest in science that stuence outreach programs since 1994. —Tom Yencho dents already have,” Ride says. Nearly twospring 2008 7 Well, I think the American people expect the president and those charged with securing the nation to live within the law but also to use whatever means are available to them within the law to make sure terrorism doesn’t disrupt the opportunity for people to live in freedom here in America. I think that’s what the expectation of the public is. Do you plan on being involved in the 2008 presidential campaign in any way? Well, I haven’t yet, but I expect to be very vocal and very energetic in my support of Republican candidate John McCain. I happen to believe that national security is a core issue, and that, at the very base of it all, is understanding the perils that face America and the nature of the lethality that technology and weaponry provides, as well as the characteristics of the threats that can be arrayed against Americans—and not just by nation states, but by individuals. Care to make any predictions on the outcome of the election? My own view is that, if the American people focus on this fundamental issue of national security, they’ll understand that hands down, far and away, John McCain understands the nature of the threats to freedom that come from nation states and non-nation states around the world and that he has the personal discipline and commitment to make sure America is defended and remains free. PHOTO BY THEO ANDERSON

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Alumni Magazine - Spring 2008 Contents From the President's Desk Mailbox On Campus Research Arts & Culture Sports Alumni News Cover Story: In Galileo's Wake Technically Funny The Healing Game Looking for America The Last Word

Alumni Magazine - Spring 2008

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