Mount Professor Receives Fulbright Award
10/31/2017
Riverdale, N.Y. – A University of Mount Saint Vincent faculty member has received a prestigious Fulbright Program award to serve as a distinguished visiting professor at De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, Philippines. Ron Scapp, Professor of Humanities and Teacher Education, accepted the award and will be traveling to DLSU November 11 through 26.
Dr. Scapp was initially named to the Fulbright Specialist roster in 2015 and was officially selected by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in September 2017. The Fulbright Specialist Program allows distinguished U.S. scholars and professionals to serve as leaders in their respective disciplines at host institutions throughout the world.
During his residency at De La Salle, Dr. Scapp will deliver the keynote address at the university’s second annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference. With a theme focusing on philosophy and sports, the conference aims to explore beyond the borders of philosophical discourse and exemplify philosophical thought. Dr. Scapp’s keynote, “Just Playing: Some Comments on the Importance of Being Playful,” will distinguish between games and play, and how the differences are important in approaching philosophy as a free and undirected activity.
Dr. Scapp will also give various presentations during his time at DLSU. He will present “The Politics of Empathy: Richard Rorty and the Metaphysics of Homogeneity,” sponsored by their Department of Philosophy, and will read from two chapters of his most recent book, Reclaiming Education: Moving Beyond the Culture of Reform, which he will deliver to DLSU’s School of Education. Additionally, he will conduct several professional development workshops with the university’s vice chancellor and will hold talks, which will be open to the public.
“My main goal is to make my visit matter to all the wonderful people who have reached out to me,” said Dr. Scapp. “I am most proud of the fact that I was not only placed on the Fulbright Specialist roster, but actually requested by De La Salle University. It’s a good feeling to know that my work and the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s name is recognized in this special way.”
In addition to this Fulbright Program award, Dr. Scapp was the 2012 recipient of the Charles C. Irby Award, which recognized his contributions to scholarship and service in the field of ethnic studies.
About the Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by then-Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The Fulbright Program awards approximately 8,000 grants annually. Roughly 1,600 U.S. students, 4,000 foreign students, 1,200 U.S. scholars, and 900 visiting scholars receive awards, in addition to several hundred teachers and professionals. Approximately 370,000 “Fulbrighters” have participated in the Program since its inception in 1946.
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational, and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for lives of professional accomplishment, service, and leadership in the 21st century.