Acknowledging that science today spans far beyond the laboratory, MSU, with the generosity of an anonymous donor, has announced an innovative academic initiative to bring science to the future's decision makers.

The initiative will be called the M. Peter and Joanne M. McPherson Endowed Professor for the Understanding of Science.

The anonymous donor is contributing $2 million, plus support for a class the first year. Both will honor President Peter McPherson and his wife, Joanne, and also enhance undergraduate education.

The donor asked Peter McPherson to choose the direction of the position. McPherson drew upon his extensive career in international relations and finance and acted on a belief that knowledge of science is crucial to work in most disciplines and professions.

"The primary focus of this endowed position is to work toward integrating and understanding science and technology throughout the undergraduate curriculum," McPherson said, "so that all students have the opportunity to develop an interest in and understanding of the direction, impact and disciplinary interconnections of science and scientific discovery."

The McPherson endowed professorship will be inaugurated this fall with a unique seminar for undergraduate students hosted by five eminent visiting scholars.

Ira Flatow

Stephen Jay Gould

Stephen Jay Gould, a professor of zoology and geology at Harvard University, will be the first speaker. Ira Flatow, host of National Public Radio's "Science Friday" show, will conclude the seminars. The other three visiting scholars have yet to be named.

The seminar, NSC 491, is open to undergraduate students from all areas of the University and has no prerequisites.

"I have, in my careers at the USAID, the U.S. Treasury and Bank of America, learned that in the modern world an educated person is one who is familiar with science and technology," McPherson said. "Everyone needs to be informed, and this initiative carries on our land-grant tradition of putting knowledge in the hands of all of our students. It is an exciting opportunity that we are honored to implement."

Beginning in 2001-02, MSU will invite distinguished scientists, science journalists and science policy makers to serve as the McPherson professor on a rotating basis with a semester or yearlong appointment.

"The intellectual vitality of MSU will be enriched by the McPherson professors," said Provost Lou Anna K. Simon. "By design, the position will not be assigned to a specific college or discipline, thus inviting a broad spectrum of knowledge and perspective."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Neal Lane Assistant to President Clinton for Science and Technology

"I applaud MSU in seeking to instill an appreciation of science by all its undergraduates by establishing this faculty position. To keep pace in our increasingly technological workforce and contribute to the public debate on today's issues, it is critical that all citizens develop a basic understanding of science. I hope other universities will follow President McPherson's leadership in exploring how all students might achieve this crucial part of their education."

Richard Lenski Hannah Professor of Microbial Ecology

"This endowed professorship for the understanding of science is not only a great honor to President McPherson, but a wonderful opportunity for MSU. We as a society are experiencing profound changes due to the on-going revolutions in biology and other sciences. Having someone who can communicate and distill these scientific findings to the broadest possible audience fits perfectly with our land-grant mission."

Copyright 2000 Michigan State University Division of University Relations.