Prof. Art Sandler Dies August 9
Share your memories and thoughts about Art.
Art Sandler, Professor of Philosophy, died suddenly of a massive stroke on August 9, 2008. Born in New York City, Art received his B.S. from City College of New York and an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh. He lived for a few years in Oregon before settling in St. Louis; he joined the Webster faculty in 1970. Art distinguished himself in numerous ways at Webster University: He founded the International Human Rights Program and served at various times as President of the Faculty, Chair of the College of Arts & Sciences, Chair of the Department of Philosophy, and Chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. Art will be remembered as a gifted teacher and invaluable colleague. He was a committed political activist and began the first Human Rights undergraduate program in the country at Webster. In 1988, Art received the University’s Messing Award, which he used to examine the struggle for human rights in Central America. Art is survived by his wife, Vicki Woods; a son and daughter; four grandchildren; and two brothers. A memorial service was held Tuesday, August 12, at Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis; a memorial also will be held at Webster University, date and place TBA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Human Rights Education Project, c/o Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63119.
The College of Arts & Sciences dedicates the Year of International Human Rights to Art’s memory.

Announcing the Year of International Human Rights
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the College of Arts & Sciences is celebrating the 2008-09 academic year as the Year of International Human Rights. We invite you to join in events and activities marking this special year. (Read the Global Thinking story.)

Earn an MS in Environmental Management Online
Webster’s MS in Environmental Management is now offered online. The prerequisite for this timely graduate program is a bachelor’s degree.

Vienna Professor’s Book Merits Award
Thomas Oberlechner, senior research professor and head of the psychology department at Webster Vienna, has received the 2008 Richard J. Davis Ethics Honorable Distinction Award from the Investment Management Consultants Association. The award honors authors who made a significant contribution to advancing the understanding and knowledge of the investment management consulting profession in the area of ethics. Oberlechner’s 2007 book, The Psychology of Ethics in the Finance and Investment Industry, explains the psychological processes that lead to unethical behavior among investment professionals.

Borgmeyer Attends NEH Institute
David Borgmeyer, adjunct professor in the Department of English, recently participated in a three-week, National Endowment for the Humanities-sponsored institute in New York City. Borgmeyer was one of 25 participants selected in a competitive application process. Centered at the New York Public Library, the institute was titled Sources of Russian and Soviet Visual Cultures, 1860-1935: Study, Teaching, and Education. The summer institute also involved visits to museums and other institutions as well as individual research time.

Alumna Is Among Nobel Prize Winners
The College of Arts & Sciences salutes alumna Grace Akumu, who is among those sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for their contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Akumu, who graduated from Webster Geneva in 1986 with a B.A. in International Studies, is executive director of Climate Network Africa in her native Kenya. She is also responsible for civil society activities at The New Partnership for Africa’s Development.

Cruising for Knowledge
Two Orlando gerontology students and their instructor recently visited a Nassau facility for the elderly by way of the Sovereign of the Seas cruise ship.

English Department Presents 2008 Green Fuse
The student literary journal of Webster University, The Green Fuse has been published every spring since 1986.