Monday Morning Update

April 26, 2010

Engaging Heidegger: Philosophy Professor Richard Capobianco has devoted his academic career to studying and teaching Martin Heidegger, the most influential European philosopher of the 20th century, whose work is indispensable to understanding contemporary thought and culture. Capobianco's critical analysis is evident in his acclaimed new book Engaging Heidegger, which sheds fresh light on the seminal German thinker. To read an extended version of an interview that Capobianco, chair of the Philosophy Department, gave to the Alumni Magazine, visit here.

Graduation News: Top Boston advertising executive Jack Connors will give the College's 59th Commencement address on Sunday, May 23. One of the founders of the award-winning company Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc., Connors will also receive an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree. The other honorees are: Counselor to the President Rev. Robert J. Kruse, C.S.C. '55 (Doctor of Theology), Nursing home industry pioneer Rita Welch (Doctor of Humane Letters), and the Bishop of the Diocese of Choscia in Lima, Peru, Rev. Norbert Strotmann, M.S.C. (Doctor of Theology). For more, visit here.

Causes of Bullying: Online social networks and reality television are creating a "perfect storm" for fostering bullying, psychology expert Dr. Karol Maybury told students in the Martin Institute recently. The anonymity of social networks can facilitate cruel, intrusive messages while reality shows work to desensitize viewers, especially to the pain of social exclusion. Maybury also identified the characteristics of bullies and noted ways to counter them. To learn more, visit here.

Family Law: As the First Justice of the Plymouth Probate and Family Court, Judge Catherine Sabaitis '75 hears heart-wrenching cases daily. The former Alumni Association President and Outstanding Alumnus still loves serving on the bench and remains passionate about public service. The Patriot Ledger and The Enterprise recently profiled Sabaitis as she marks two decades of public service. To read the profile, visit here.

Beyond Partisan Politics: The Enterprise recently asked Martin Institute Director Peter Ubertaccio, what would Speaker Joe Martin, a conservative Republican, think of the Institute's offerings today? Ubertaccio replied that Martin was "conservative, but he had a very good and friendly and workman-like relationship with the Democratic Party ... he would be quite pleased that we've been open to alternative voices - that alternative voices in public policy can be articulated and not shouted down." To read The Enterprise's story about the Martin Institute's 20th anniversary, visit here.

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