Open Menu Open Search

Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics

The Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics was established in 2004 to enrich the teaching-learning experiences for students by providing greater opportunities to meet and interact with community leaders and to encourage discussions of issues of ethical significance through campus programs and community outreach.

The Center sponsors a variety of programs, among them fireside conversations, an annual lecture series that brings a distinguished speaker to campus to meet with classes and present a lecture open to the public, and an annual student essay contest.

In 2018, the Center introduced a cooperative program with nearby United Township High School, which involves providing ethics modules for a high school honors class.  

The Center is governed by a seven-person board of directors comprised of three members of the faculty appointed by the dean of the college, the director of the Center, the campus chaplain, and two students appointed by the president of the Student Government Association. The senior faculty member, measured in terms of service on the board, chairs the board.

2024-2025 Board of Directors

  • Brian Leech, chair (faculty)
  • Michael Reisner (faculty)
  • Lucy Burgchardt (faculty)
  • Pr. Melinda Pupillo (campus pastor)
  • Morgan Janes (student)
  • Ian Empen (student)
  • Dan Lee (director)

Donors

The work of the Center is supported by an anonymous donor, grants from the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and National Automobile Dealers, and by the financial support of the following individuals:

  • Drs. Amir and Lisa Brothers Arbisser
  • Lynn Batcher
  • Mark and Susan A. Boozell
  • Dr. Christine Dahl
  • Albert and Lynne DeSimone
  • James Hecker
  • Douglas and Nancy Hultquist
  • Dan and Ruth Lee
  • Stuart and Esther Lefstein
  • Juliann McHard
  • Paul and Janet Moen
  • Jo Ellen Sharer
  • Thomas and Deann Thoms
  • Frederic and Cathie Whiteside

The Center is grateful for their generosity.

Dan Lee, whose teaching responsibilities since joining the Augustana faculty in 1974 have included courses in ethics, serves as the Center’s director.