Alma College has professors and students who may be of value in offering opinions and expertise about the war in Iraq.
Body response to heat, chemical and biological agents
Dr. John Davis, professor of exercise and health science, researches the sweat and thermoregulatory responses of the body to temperature extremes. He can speak to the effects of chemical and biological agents. During the war in Afghanistan, he received several inquiries from the military concerning his research on the effects of high altitudes on the body.
Dr. Timothy Keeton, assistant professor of biology, can speak to the effects of and types of biological agents that may be used in the war, such as anthrax and small pox. (989) 463-7072
Dr. Maurie Luetkemeier, associate professor of exercise and health science, researches the sweat and thermoregulatory responses of the body to temperature extremes. (989) 463-7278
Morality, justification of war
Dr. Nick Dixon, professor of philosophy, speaks frequently about the morality of war. He is on sabattical this year, but resides in Alma.
Dr. Paul Crawford, assistant professor of history, has a very interesting class he teaches about the "Just War Theory," a form of moral reasoning that traces its origins to St. Augustine in fifth century North Africa, and can speak about whether the Iraq conflict meets the three points necessary to justify war.
Dr. Joanne Gilbert, associate professor of communication, is a staunch anti-war protester who has marched in Lansing Mich., and advises student groups about organizing protests.
Dr. Ed Lorenz, Reid-Knox Professor of History and professor of political science, and his wife, Marilyn, are responsible for starting a Mid-Michigan chapter of Pax Christi, an international peace organization founded after World War II to reconcile Christians in Europe. It since has expanded its geographic base (and topics of concern) and has a long presence in Michigan, but primarily in the Detroit area, led by Bishop Tom Gumbleton, and Lansing.
Bishop Thomas Makarios, visiting professor of religious studies and founder and head of the North American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church of India, recently participated in a conference designed to initiate a dialogue between Muslims and Christians conducted before the war in the Middle East kingdom of Bahrain.
Dr. Laura von Wallmenich, assistant professor of English, is a staunch anti-war protester who has brought students' attention to social causes.
Political aspects
Dr. Derick "Sandy" Hulme, associate professor of political science, can speak to the UN Security Council's authority. He is an expert on the Middle East and can give an opinion on the Palestinian view of American policy.
Dr. Marek Payerhin, assistant professor of political science, can give a European view of the war. He is originally from Poland and has good insights about the "traditional" American allies.
Student participation
Students have formed an Alma College Peace Coalition, an anti-war group, and conservative students have formed a coalition to support the war. Please contact Skip Traynor for student interviews.
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