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Summer Lilly Grant recipients awarded to support three international projects

By Clare Kennedy '07
May 29, 2005

The Lilly Program Committee has awarded funding to three faculty projects for the Summer 2005 Lilly International Service Learning program. These projects will involve close collaboration between students and faculty in a multi-disciplinary approach that will benefit the people of three different continents. "We're going to help create something that will go on long after we leave," says participating Professor of Biology Anne Walter.

Professor of Mathematics Matt Richey and Walter selected students to travel to Chen'nai, India to work closely with the InterChurch Service Agency. Richey oversaw several students in their efforts to upgrade the ICSA's computer training program for disabled students. Other students worked with Walter on one of the health and human services projects coordinated through ICSA. This group helped set up a microbiological laboratory to analyze and process generic pharmaceuticals, and developed and expanded an existing medicinal herb garden.

Associate Professor of Music Paul Niemisto led a group of students working as volunteers in Lutheran congregations of Ingria/Karelia, near St. Petersburg, Russia. Students were involved in English language instruction, computer technology training and improvements to the congregations' buildings.

Professor of Biology Ted Johnson took students to Cusco, Peru, where they worked in conjunction with Children's Surgery International. The group assisted in surgical and other medical care administered to children in a regional hospital. Doug Tate '70, now a pediatrician in Apple Valley, also participated in the project.

Since 2002, St. Olaf has been the recipient of a five-year, nearly $2 million grant from the Lilly Endowment's Program on the Theological Exploration of Vocation. With this endowment St. Olaf has funded programs aimed at aiding students, faculty, staff and alumni in the discernment and pursuit of their own personal vocations.

Contact Carole Engblom at 507-646-3271 or leigh@stolaf.edu.