NSU Horizons Fall 2007

launched a political comeback, recapturing leadership of Israel’s Labor Party. Barak earned his B.S. in physics and mathematics from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1976 and his M.S. in engineering-economic systems in 1978 from Stanford University. His political, educational, and military back- grounds give him a unique perspective for assessing the key challenges of world terror, international diplomacy, globalization, and the free world in the 21st century. Distinguished Neurologist Oliver Sacks, M.D. The Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences welcomed Oliver Sacks, M.D., to campus. In 1966, Sacks administered the experimental drug L-dopa to a group of survivors of the “sleeping sickness” epidemic that killed millions in the 1920s. Frozen like human statues for decades, they awakened with “an explosive quality, as of corks released from a great depth.” Sacks is also author of bestselling books, including Awakenings , The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat , and An Anthropologist on Mars . Through his work with brain disorders, he has transformed our understanding of the human mind by focusing on patients who adapt to, and survive, various neurological conditions. Exploring the nature of perception, memory, consciousness, and creativity, Sacks has enlarged our understanding of the complexities of the human mind. Antonia Novello, M.D. The 2007 commencement speaker was Antonia Novello, M.D., the first Hispanic and first woman to serve as U.S. surgeon general. Her tenure raised awareness of domestic violence, underage drinking and alcohol abuse, and pediatric AIDS. In 1990, President George H. Bush appointed Novello to be surgeon general of the United States. Her causes, particularly AIDS research and children’s health, have taken her around the globe. After serving as surgeon general, Novello was appointed special representa- tive of health and nutrition for UNICEF, the United Nations’ children’s health organization. In 1999, she was appointed commissioner of health for the State of New York. One of Novello’s guiding principles is “Service is the rent you pay for living, and that service is what sets you apart.” At Commencement, she was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters, as approved by the NSU Board of Trustees. n horizons 29 Identity (L–R) Spencer Wells, Ph.D.; Ehud Barak, M.S.; Oliver Sacks, M.D.; Antonia Novello, M.D. Richard Toumey is an Editor in the Officeof Information Services, Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences.