Portrait of Evelyn Lincoln

Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society (ELIES)

Guided by the Core Values of պ University, theEvelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society (ELIES)works to raise awareness of ethical issues that confront people in their social and professional lives.

ELIES provides information about current challenges facing our local and global communities, opportunities for development of ethical sensitivity and innovative strategies for dealing with ethical problems and conflicts. These issues are addressed through lectures, symposia, and round tables. ELIES provides formal and informal programs throughout the academic year as well as spontaneous programs in response to current events.

Do you have an event you'd like to sponsor or co-sponsor with ELIES?!

    ELIES invites regional and national scholars and professionals to give public lectures on social, political, professional, technological, and environmental ethics throughout the academic year. For example, partnering with the Sustainability Program, the Institute offers the Sr. Maura Smith Earth Day lecture. The ELIES also provides the community with a keynote lecture every spring semester.

    On Oct. 4, 2023, պ celebrated Hispanic Heritage month with a special lecture, "Imagine More" by Dr. Juan Hernández.

    On February 7, 2023, ELIES hosted a panel discussion entitled "Religion and Social Justice: A Conversation With Erie Leaders."

    On April 27, 2022, ELIES welcomed Lisa Britton, CIS, CCPR, LEED AP BD+C, GGP for a lecture entitled "Creating a Healing Future Using a Holistic Approach to Sustainability."

    On February 23, 2022, ELIES hosted a panel discussion entitled "Moral and Ethical Issues Facing 21st Century Policing."

    On February 8, 2022, ELIES hosted a panel discussion entitled "Individualism, Community, and the Power of Symbols."

    On October 21, 2021, ELIES hosted a panel discussion entitled "Contemplating Afghanistan: The past, the present, the ethical challenge."

    On April 22, 2021, ELIES welcomed Daniel P. Horan, OFM, Ph.D. via Zoom for a lecture entitled "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Climate Justice."

    Edward A. Jolie, Ph.D., RPA, of the պ University Department of Anthropology/Archaeology, recently gave a presentation regarding the status of Native Americans in the landscape of today's America. A premiere event will be happening on Tuesday, December 1, at 7 p.m. on the that will include Dr. Jolie participating in a Q&A on Zoom afterwards. This event is co-sponsored by ELIES and the Department of Anthropology/Archeology.

    On February 4, 2019, ELIES hosted a panel presentation entitled "Is This a Crisis? Understanding and Responding to the Drug-Resistant Bacteria Problem." Panel members included Dr. Amy Danowitz (Department of Chemistry), Dr. Lucy Thairu (Department of Public Health), and Dr. Randy Clemons (Department of Political Science).

    In 2018 ELIES entered its 11th year and were excited to welcome Dr. Swasti Bhattacharyya, Professor of Philosophy and Religion on April 26, 2018. Her lecture was titled "Converging Rivers: Healthcare and the Intersections of Religion, Culture and Ethics."

    On October 15, 2018, ELIES welcomed Dr. Shannon French, Inamori Professor in Ethics and Director of the Inamori International Center of Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University. Her lecture was titled "Artificial Ethics? The Use of AI and Autonomous Weapons by the Military."

    On November 7, 2018, ELIES hosted a panel presentation entitled "“Economic Ethics and the Common Good: A discussion of Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quastiones”. This panel included Richard McCarty, Ph.D., Religious Studies, Juan Argaez, Ph.D., Economics, Greg Baker, D. Min., Vice President for Mission Integration, and Lena Surzhko-Harned, Ph.D., Political Science, Penn State Behrend.

    On November 6, 2019, ELIES hosted a panel presentation entitled "The Berlin Wall: 30 Years Later”. This panel included Dr. Brian Ripley (Department of Political Science), Dr. Fred Hoffman (Department of Intelligence Studies), Dr. Kathryn Duda (Department of World Languages), and Dr. Alice Edwards (Department of World Languages).

    ELIES runs a series of student centered symposia. Once a month students in the University capstone ethics course are invited for an informal faculty led discussion of topics that affect our communal lives and are in the faculty’s areas of expertise. In 2017-18 these symposia will be led by Dr. Maria Garase (Criminal Justice), Dr. Emmaleigh Kirshner (Criminal Justice), Dr. Ed Jolie (Anthropology/Archeology), Dr. Amy Danowitz (Chemistry), and Dr. Scott Michel (Sports Medicine) among others.

    ELIES will also be able to provide continuing education credit for professionals and professional societies upon request. Please contact the director for more information.

    Ethics Minor

    Students seeking the ethics minor will be required to take six courses (18 credits). All students are required to take the foundational Introduction to Ethics course, PHIL 190. They will also be required to choose from a selection of second level ethics courses offered by Philosophy, Religious Studies, Catholic Studies, or Anthropology. Finally, students take three elective courses from the approved list, which come from a variety of departments. All students must take a minimum of one 300 or 400 level course. There is an additional requirement of an internship through ELIES that will be either zero or 1 credit, depending on the needs of the student. Those internships will require the approval of the ELIES director.

    Foundation course - Required

    PHIL 190 Intro to Ethics 3 credits

    Second Level courses - Choose two from these courses

    CST 275 Catholicism and Social Justice 3 credits
    RLST 200 Contemporary Moral Issues 3 credits
    ANTH/SOC 125 Introduction to Gender Studies 3 credits
    PHIL 140 Contemporary Ethical Issues 3 credits

    Electives choose three

    CRJS 101 Justice in America 3 credits
    PHIL 150 Philosophical Studies 3 credits
    SOC 204 Diversity in Society 3 credits
    SBM 220 Legal and Ethical Issues in Sport 3 credits
    ECON 250 Economics of Poverty 3 credits
    RLST 255 Religious Perspectives on Human Relationships 3 credits
    RLST 275 Liberation, Religion, and Society 3 credits
    CRJS 343 Criminal Justice Ethics 3 credits
    ANTH 347 Anthropological Ethics 3 credits
    BADM 350 Business Ethics 3 credits
    PHIL 405 Ethics and the Professions 3 credits
    RLST 440 Peace and Justice 3 credits

    At least one course must be 300 level or higher.

    History of the Institute

    ELIES was established in the fall of 2008 through a generous grant from Emily and John Costigan. Emily Costigan is a 1964 graduate of պ College. The institute is named in honor of her mother, Evelyn Jacobson Lincoln, who graduated from պ in 1930. The first co-directors of ELIES were Dr. Daniel McFee (Religious Studies) and Dr. Kevin Sullivan (Philosophy). They developed the distinguished speaker series and round tables focusing on three primary areas:

    1. Socially responsible business practices
    2. Science and emerging technologies
    3. Ecology and sustainability

    They also established the annual Rotary Ethics Symposium for high school juniors.

Fall 2023


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Dr. Juan Hernández Jr

Thursday, Oct. 5, 7p.m. Mercy HeritageHall
"Imagine More: Bringing the Community Into the University" Presented by Dr. Juan Hernández Jr. in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Free and open to the public.

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Lake of Betrayal poster

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Mercy Heritage Hall "Lake of Betrayal: The Story of the Kinzua Dam" Film showing followed by a discussion led by Dr. Will Meyer. Free and open to the public.

Spring 2023

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Poster for Religion, Politics, and Security in ‘The Holy Land’

Thursday, Feb.23, 2022, 7p.m. Walker Recital Hall Religion, Politics, and Security in ‘The Holy Land’ Panel Members: Dr. Robert von Thaden, Religious Studies Dr. Seyma Akyol, Political Science, Dr. Brooke Shannon,Intelligence Studies. Free and open to the public.

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Poster for Religion and Social Justice

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, 7 p.m. Mercy Heritage Room "Religion and Social Justice: A Conversation with Erie Leaders" Panel Members: Very Reverend Melinda Hall, Cathedral of St. Paul Sheikh Mazin Alsahlani, Al-Makarim Islamic Foundation Sister Valerie Luckey, OSB, representing the Benedictine Sisters of Erie Free and open to the public.

Spring 2022

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Poster for Sister Maura Smith lecture

Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 7 p.m. Mercy Heritage Room "Creating a healthier future using a holistic approach to sustainability" Lisa Britton, director of sales & marketing and sustainability champion for Industrial Louvers, Inc. (ILI) Free and open to the public.

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Poster for "Moral and Ethical Issues Facing 21st Century Policing."

Wednesday, Feb.23, 2022, 7p.m. Walker Recital Hall "Moral and Ethical Issues Facing 21st Century Policing." Panel Members: Chief Dan Spizarny, Erie Police Department Mr. Michael Outlaw, Erie Mayor’s Office Mr. David Morris, Strengthening Police and Community Dr. Adam Saeler, պ Criminal Justice Free and open to the public.

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Poster for Individualism, Community, and the Power of Symbols.

Tuesday, Feb.8, 2022,7 p.m. Walker Recital Hall "Individualism, Community, and the Power of Symbols." Panel Members: Dr. Robert von Thaden, Religious Studies Dr. Melissa Heerboth, Psychology Dr. Kathryn Duda, World Languages Dr. Julia Morgan, Philosophy Free and open to the public.

Fall 2021

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Poster for Native American Heritage lecture

Thursday, Nov.4, 2021, 7:30 p.m. Mercy Heritage Room Native American Heritage Month Film and Discussion "Mankiller: Activist. Feminist. Cherokee Chief." Discussion led by Ben Scharff, Ph.D. Free and open to the public.

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Poster for Contemplating Afghanistan lecture

Thursday, Oct.21, 2021, 7:30 p.m. Waterford Room "Contemplating Afghanistan: The past, the present, the ethical challenges" Panel Members: Brian Ripley, Ph.D., Political Science Jacob Mauslein, Ph.D., Intelligence Studies Deborah Pazmiño, Director of Immigration Services, Multicultural Community Resource Center (MCRC) Julia Morgan, J.D., Ph.D., Philosophy Free and open to the public.

Spring 2021

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Poster for Daniel P. Horan lecture

Thursday, April 22, 7 p.m. ​​​​​​​Zoom "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Climate Justice". Daniel P. Horan, OFM, Ph.D. Free and open to the public.

Spring 2020

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Poster for lecture by Danielle McGuire

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m. Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center "Recy Taylor, Rosa Parks, and the Radical Roots of #MeToo" Danielle McGuire, Ph.D., Organization of American Historians Distinguished Lecturer Free and open to the public.

Fall 2019

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Poster for panel discussion of Lake of Betrayal

Wednesday, Nov.20, 7 p.m. Walker Recital Hall Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion:"Lake of Betrayal: The Story of Kinzua Dam" Panel Members: Dennis J. Bowen and Stephen Gordon, Seneca Nation Free and open to the public.

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Poster for lecture by Dr. Brian Ripley

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Walker Recital Hall Panel Presentation:"The Berlin Wall: 30 Years Later" Panel Members: Dr. Brian Ripley (Department of Political Science), Dr. Fred Hoffman (Department of Intelligence Studies), Dr. Kathryn Duda (Department of World Languages), and Dr. Alice Edwards (Department of World Languages) Free and open to the public.

Spring 2019

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Poster for lecture by Marcus Eriksen

Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m. Walker Recital Hall "Saving Our Synthetic Seas" Marcus Eriksen, Ph.D., research director and co-founder of the 5 Gyres Institute Free and open to the public.

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Poster for lecture by Dr. Amy Danowitz

Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Walker Recital Hall Panel Presentation:"Is This a Crisis? Understanding and Responding to the Drug-Resistant Bacteria Problem" Panel Members: Dr. Amy Danowitz (Department of Chemistry), Dr. Lucy Thairu (Department of Public Health), and Dr. Randy Clemons (Department of Political Science) Free and open to the public.

Fall 2018

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Poster for Economic Ethics and the Common Good lecture

Wednesday, Nov.7, 7 p.m. Walker Recital Hall Panel Presentation: “Economic Ethics and the Common Good: A discussion of Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quastiones” Panel Members: Richard McCarty, Ph.D., Religious Studies Juan Argaez, Ph.D., Economics Greg Baker, D. Min., Vice President for Mission Integration Lena Surzhko-Harned, Ph.D., Political Science, Penn State Behrend Free and open to the public.

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Poster for lecture by Shannon French

Monday, Oct.15, 7 p.m. Walker Recital Hall ELIES 10th Anniversary Lectures Series “Artificial Ethics? The Use of AI and Autonomous Weapons by the Military” Shannon French, Ph.D., Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University Free and open to the public.

Student Symposia

These small, student-only gatherings offer opportunities for students to discuss a topic in detail with a faculty member with expertise in the area. These are not lectures; students are invited to bring their points of view and their questions. Each gathering will meet for about one hour, and refreshments will be served.

October 17, 2:30 p.m., CAE 109 “How do you know if you have consent?" Discussion led by Dr. Averill Earls, History

November 15, 2 p.m., CAE 109 “Should currently incarcerated inmates have access to college education?” Discussion led by Dr. Maria Garase, Criminal Justice

Spring 2018

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Poster of lecture by Lois Gibbs

April 23, 7 p.m., Taylor Little Theatre Annual Sister Maura Smith Earth Day lecture will be given by Lois Gibbs, the founder and executive directorof the Center for Health, Environment and Justice. Co-sponsored with the Sustainability program.

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Poster for lecture by Dr. Swasti Bhattacharyya

April 6, 7 p.m., PAC 10thAnniversary special lecture, “Converging Rivers: Healthcare and the Intersection of Religion, Culture and Ethics,” given by Dr. Swasti Bhattacharyya. Dr. Bhattacharyya is a bioethicist who also has a degree in nursing. March 6, 2018 Rotary Ethics Symposium

Student Symposia

March 1, 1 p.m., CAE 109 “What are the moral implications for failing to respond to environmental problems?” Discussion led by Prof. Sarah Bennett, Biology

March 13, 2 p.m., CAE 109 “Is the death penalty morally defensible?” Discussion led by Dr. EmmaLeigh Kirchner, Criminal Justice

April 17, 2 p.m., CAE 109 “If biotechnology allowed a person to live 130-150 years, who would get to live longer and how should it be paid for?” Discussion led by Dr. Chris Taylor, Chemistry

Fall 2017

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Poster for To Stop the Machine lecture

October 26, 7 p.m., Mercy Heritage Room “To Stop the Machine”: Nonviolent Struggle, Democracy, and the Spirit of Henry David Thoreau” A multi-disciplinary panel discussion of պ faculty in History, Philosophy, and English. Free and open to the public Co-sponsored with պ History Department

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Poster for Facing a Conflicted Heritage lecture

September 26, 7 p.m., Taylor Little Theater “Facing a Conflicted Heritage: History, Memory, and the Battle over Confederate Monuments” A multi-disciplinary panel discussion of պ faculty in History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Psychology Free and open to the public Co-sponsored with պ History Department

September 13, 7 p.m., Mercy Heritage Hall “Enemies of the People? A Forum on Journalism and Ethics.” This round tableincluded both պ faculty and members of the local media. They addressedissues of journalistic ethics and the role of the First Amendment of the Constitution in shaping the role of journalism in a democratic state.

Student Symposia

October 19, 2 p.m., CAE 109 “Under what circumstances is it acceptable to genetically modify a human?” A student symposium led by Dr. Amy Danowitz, Chemistry. This open to all պ seniors. Please contact Dr. Ehret or the ELIES office to confirm attendance.

Contact Us

Verna Ehret, Ph.D.
Director, ELIES
Office: Preston 204
Phone: 814-824-2532
Email: elies@mercyhurst.edu