UPbeat

News for and about University of Portland faculty and staff.

Russell Butkus

Theology Thursday Lecture, Feb. 21

The next Theology Thursday lecture will be “Kids, Persistent Toxins, and Catholic Social Teaching,” by Russ Butkus, theology, and Steve Kolmes, environmental studies, on Thursday, February 21, 7:15 p.m., in Shiley Hall room 319.

Recently there have been some disturbing developments at the Environmental Protection Agency regarding public health and in particular the health of American kids. This presentation will address the special vulnerability of children to the bioaccumulation of persistent toxins, and address the ensuing negative health effects. The presentation will also provide a brief summary of current environmental legislation (2016 Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act) and conclude with the argument from Catholic social teaching that children exposed to environmental toxins is a violation of their human right to bodily integrity and health.

For ADA accommodations or more information contact Deborah MacKinnon, theology, at x7274 or mackinno@up.edu.

2013 Faculty Awards

The University’s 2013 Faculty Awards were presented on Tuesday, May 7, at the Faculty Awards Dinner, with the following results:

The James Culligan Award, established in 1953 in memory of a dedicated servant of the University and presented annually to a faculty member in recognition of distinguished service, was presented to John Orr, English, who also serves as assistant to the provost, and director of honors and fellowships and grants. Winners of the Culligan Award wear the medal with their academic regalia, as a sign of the University’s highest faculty honor.

The Deans’ Award for Faculty Leadership, presented annually to a tenured faculty member who exemplifies, in an extraordinary way, the qualities of teaching and scholarship described in the University’s Articles of Administration for appointment, advancement in rank, and tenure, was presented to the effervescent, exuberant, and ebullient Kate Regan, Spanish professor extraordinaire with the international languages and cultures department.

The Outstanding Teaching Award, presented annually by the University’s Committee on Teaching and Scholarship to a faculty member who is a particular exemplar of the University’s commitment to superb teaching, was presented to Lars Erik Larson of the English department.

The Outstanding Scholarship Award, presented annually by the University’s Committee on Teaching and Scholarship to a faculty member who presents unusually significant and meritorious achievement in professional scholarship during the past two academic years, and whose work substantively enhances the effectiveness of his or her classroom teaching, was presented to the incomparable team of Steve Kolmes, biology and environmental science, and Russell Butkus, theology.

For more information contact the provost’s office at 7105 or robb@up.edu.