Misericordia University recently hosted Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow Robert K. Musil, Ph.D., M.P.H., an internationally renowned environmentalist, for an intensive weeklong visit in September.

Dr. Musil, president and CEO of the Rachel Carson Council, conducted classes, seminars and lectures, while also spending extensive time with students, faculty and administration. His public lecture, "Rachel Carson's Environmental Legacy for Today,'' opened the lecture series, "The Impact of Climate Change on Society,'' which also includes addresses by a climate scientist and a representative from Greenpeace U.S.A. in October and November.

"Dr. Musil was a perfect match for Misericordia, as his message of environmental sustainability complements one of the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy,'' said Misericordia University President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. "Our students had an opportunity to meet a world-class expert with a deep knowledge of environmental issues. We are delighted that he had the time to get to know our campus and to explore in depth how the classroom and campus relate to the broader society.''

A Woodrow Wilson Fellow since 2006, Dr. Musil is the former head of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Physicians for Social Responsibility. During his visit to campus, he discussed how Rachel Carson developed her love of nature, writing and social responsibility, and how the council carries on her legacy with work on climate and environmental justice, including efforts to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to an economy based on renewable energy.

The Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows program, which is administered by the Council of Independent Colleges in Washington, D.C., brings prominent artists, diplomats, journalists, business leaders, and others professionals to campuses across the country for a week-long residential program of classes, seminars, workshops, lectures, and informal discussions. For 35 years, the Visiting Fellows have been introducing students and faculty members at liberal arts colleges to a wide range of perspectives on life, society, community, and achievement.

Caption:

Misericordia University recently hosted Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow Robert K. Musil, Ph.D., M.P.H., an internationally renowned environmentalist, for an intensive weeklong visit in September. Participating in a program, from left, are David B. Rehm, Ph.D., vice president, academic affairs; Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., president, Misericordia University; Dr. Musil and Heidi L.K. Manning, Ph.D., dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Misericordia University.