The University of Louisville Alumni Magazine: for alumni, faculty, staff, students and anyone that is a UofL Cardinal fan.
Issue link: https://louisville.epubxp.com/i/643329
W I N T E R / S P R I N G U O F L M A G A Z I N E | 9 H A P P E N I N G H E R E Industrialist, entrepre- neur and philanthropist H. Charles Grawemeyer believed that ideas — and discussions ignited by those ideas — have the power to change the world. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the awards program founded by the UofL Speed School graduate, more than a dozen award recipients returned to the univer- sity in fall 2015, sparking inspired conversations in answer to such questions as: Is a college education a right or a privilege? Why do some experiences leave lasting memories? How does music convey the hu- man experience? Why does political reform so often fail? Can religion heal racial divisions? "For 30 years, the University of Louisville has honored the vision of Charles Grawemeyer, a man who believed in the power of big ideas and how ideas trans- form our society," said President James Ramsey at the September Grawe- meyer Spirit Award event honoring Muhammad Ali, which kicked off the 30th anniversary celebration. "Although Mr. Ali and Charles Grawemeyer trav- eled very different paths in life, their destinations are similar: a world where every individual's worth is cause for celebration … a world where each of us can affect positive change by discovering our own greatness." With an initial en- dowment of $9 million, Grawemeyer established the awards to recognize achievements in f ve disci- plines: music composition, world order, education, religion (a joint prize with the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) and psychology. Former winners in each category participated in a series of free lectures and panel dis- cussions to commemorate the anniversary. Religion award win- ners Barbara Savage (2012) and Willie James Jennings (2015) presented "Race, Faith and Com- munity" in collaboration with the Black Church Studies program of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. UofL alumnus and noted radio personality Bob Edwards moderated an education award sym- posium featuring former winners Carol Gilligan (1992), Vanessa Siddle Walker (2000) and Pasi Sahlberg (2013). Book club events featuring video chats with former winners Deborah Brandt (2003), Howard Gardner (1990) and Diane Ravitch (2014) rounded out the education offerings. The "Mysteries of Human Memory" were explored during a psychology event featuring prominent scientists Elizabeth Loftus (2005), James McGaugh (2015) and Lynn Nadel (2006). World Order winners Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan (2013), Trita Parsi (2010) and Michael Johnston (2009) presented "Why Civil Resistance Works," "Peace in the Mideast" and "Insights into Corruption," respectively. The 30th anniversary activities con- cluded with the 2015 New Music Festival, featuring guest composer Kaija Saa- riaho (2003) and concerts highlighting works by Saariaho and Krzysztof Penderecki (1992). News & Impact Grawemeyer's legacy celebrated Finnish educator and author Pasi Sahlberg discusses the impact and importance of winning the 2013 Grawemeyer Award in Education. 2016 Grawemeyer Award Winners The university once again will honor ideas that inspire humanity when the 2016 recipients come to Louisville in April to accept their Grawemeyer Awards and discuss their award-winning ideas. For details about the 2016 recipients and the lecture schedule, visit grawemeyer.org. Music Composition: Hans Abrahamsen Ideas Improving World Order: Gary Haugen and Victor Boutros Education: Karl Alexander, Doris Entwisle and Linda Olson Religion: Susan Holman Psychology: Steven F. Maier