NSU’s Farquhar Honors college will host Mary Otto, a former reporter for the Washington Post, as part of their Distinguished Speaker series, on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 4-5 p.m.
Otto is the author of “Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America.” Her book focuses on politics, insurances, the difference between medical and dental care and the positive and negative consequences on dental healthcare.
According to Don Rosenblum, dean of NSU’s Farquhar Honors College, Otto is a thought leader in health professions, specifically in dental and oral health.
“It’s a fascinating book, a fascinating person, and our hope is that it’s very relevant to our students, our faculty and professionals in the community,” said Rosenblum. “This is a very strong, close partnership with Dean Linda Niessen [of the College of Dental Medicine].”
The presentation will be a moderated conversation. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and converse with Otto and Niessen.
“We have a lot of opportunities for student involvement, faculty involvement and, hopefully, community,” said Rosenblum. “We’ve had a few speakers who have been open to this conversation approach, and it’s very engaging, and it can spin on a dime.”
Dr. Linda Niessen, dean and professor of NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, said, “There’s a lot of work to be done in the community, so she might inspire students to move into various health professions, to move into public health, to continue writing and journalism careers. I think it’s exciting — as the President says, this is an opportunity for students to realize their potential.”
Rosenblum encourages everyone to attend, as the scope of the presentation will be broad.
“The primary audience would be people who are thinking about being involved in health professions, whether that’s as a health practitioner, someone working in legal issues, or financial issues, or even other social service issues,” said Rosenblum. “The fact that she’s an established and award-winning writer, years ago she wrote for the Washington Post, so people who are in journalism may find some insight about how to get a job like that, how to write a book.”
The presentation has limited space, and tickets are required. Those interested can get tickets from the honors college in the Hollywood-Mailman building in suite 250. The honors college is also partnering with five student clubs to help showcase student organizations in health professions who will be distributing tickets.
“Seats are reserved for anyone with a ticket,” said Vanessa Mezquia, manager of academic programs for the honors college. “After that, [attendees] can come by and will be allowed as long as there are seats available.”
For more information, contact honors@nova.edu with any questions.
