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2004 Theodor Heuss Prize to CAS professor
Krzysztof Michalski, a CAS professor of philosophy, founder and rector of the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, and chairman of the board of BU's Institute for Human Sciences, is the 39th winner of the Theodor Heuss Prize, awarded annually by the nonpartisan Theodor Heuss Foundation to public figures who excel politically or socially. Michalski will receive the award in a ceremony on April 3 in Stuttgart, Germany.
The theme of this year's award is Impulses for a Citizen's Europe. Polish philosopher Michalski was recognized by the foundation for “playing an important role in the deepening of the political and cultural dialogue between East and West since the early '80s. With this he contributed to the liberation from Communism and promoted the development of a democratic civil society in middle and east European countries. Michalski and his Vienna Institute bring together the highest intellectual claims with the questions of their transformation into political action and the encouragement of the rising generation . . . At the same time, Krzysztof Michalski is an important mediator of the transatlantic dialogue: he teaches at Boston University, where the Institute for Human Sciences maintains a branch working particularly on American-European relations.”
The Vienna Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) was established in 1982 to bring together academics and intellectuals from eastern and western Europe for common discussion and scholarly work and research. BU's Institute for Human Sciences was established by IWM in the interest of promoting research and debate among European and American intellectuals and policy makers. Its mission is to encourage frank and informed discussion of public policy issues that are of special relevance to both the United States and Europe. It serves as the American base for joint projects with the Vienna institute.
Named for the first president of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Theodor Heuss Foundation was formed in 1964 as an initiative independent of the influence of political parties. Each year the foundation looks to honor exemplary citizens and has supported moral courage and tolerance and helped young people fight against abuse and injustice. The yearly prize and medals are connected with a relevant theme of democratic society.
MED prof wins award for research
Haralambos Gavras, a MED professor and chief of the hypertension and atherosclerosis section at Boston Medical Center, was selected by the International Society of Hypertension to receive the 2004 Franz Volhard Award for his research on the renin-angiotensin system. The award, which is given out every two years, is the highest honor bestowed by the society. The ceremony takes place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, at the society's biennial meeting.
Desai named 2003 Woman of the Year
India New England News, the region's leading newspaper for the South Asian community, recently named Tejal Desai, an ENG associate professor of biomedical engineering, as its 2003 Woman of the Year. She was chosen from a field of 20 semifinalists — business owners, professors, researchers, authors, and physicians — and cited for her expertise in the field of biomedical engineering and her work in the disciplines of nanotechnology and tissue engineering.
“It is an honor to be recognized by my own South Asian community,” says Desai. “I hope that I can serve as a role model to others in the community, particularly in encouraging young girls to explore science and engineering.”
SSW alums honored by NASW
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) will give awards to three alumni from the School of Social Work on March 9 at its annual meeting. Virginia Burns (SSW'51) has been selected for a Lifetime Achievement Award, Mary Lou Sudders (CAS'76, SSW'78) will be honored as the Social Worker of the Year, and Wayne Kessler (SSW'86) will receive the Beverly Ross Fliegel Award for Social Policy and Change.
SPH students promote safe sex
Eight SPH students enrolled last fall in Mass Communication and Public Health — a course that explores the use of mass communication as a tool for health promotion and is taught by Ed Carfano, an SPH adjunct professor in the social and behavioral sciences department — have created a public service announcement that will be aired on cable stations throughout the Boston and North Shore areas. Entitled “Get It On Before You Get It On,” the students' PSA and Web site are designed to get out a positive message about safe sex and inspire other health organizations to do the same. To find out more and to view the PSA, go to http://beforeyougetiton.org.
BU in Peace Corps
Boston University has made the Peace Corps top-25 list of colleges and universities with the most alumni volunteers in 2003. Ranked at 19 in the category of large colleges and universities, 57 BU alumni became Peace Corps volunteers.
6 February 2004
Boston University
Office of University Relations