Lecture series abstracts
Fall 2025
Paws for Thought: Ethical Considerations of Therapy Dog Work
Therapy dog programming has become increasingly prevalent across various health-care, education and community domains. Appropriately trained and evaluated therapy dogs and their handlers can provide a range of benefits, including providing emotional support, comfort and companionship to individuals facing physical, psychological or developmental challenges. While the benefits of animal-assisted interventions are well-documented, the ethical dimensions of therapy dog work remain underexplored. This is unfortunate, as the ethics of therapy dog work involve a complex interplay between the welfare of the animals, the safety of the recipients/clients, and the professional conduct of the therapy teams. This talk will examine the ethical considerations inherent in the incorporation of therapy dogs, focusing on the welfare of both human recipients and canine participants.
Dr. Angie Moe is a professor in the Department of Sociology, instructor for the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs and Director of the WMU Therapy Dog Clinic. With a focus on interpersonal victimization, especially within families, she trained her first therapy dog, Sunny, in 2016, as a means of enhancing victim support services. Additional dogs joined the pack in 2019 (Oreo, RIP), 2022 (Poppy) and 2025 (Mocha). Dr. Moe has logged thousands of hours with these dogs, including national deployments to disaster sites. Locally, she and her pawtners focus on supporting trauma-exposed youth through WMU's Resiliency Center at the Unified Clinics. She maintains an active research agenda, trains future therapy dog teams, and offers courses and experiential-based learning to WMU students. Dr. Moe holds certifications from Oakland University's Center for Human Animal Interventions and the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP), Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (Level 1), and CISM (critical incident stress management). She is an evaluator for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, AAAIP, and HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, where she also serves as state coordinator.
Systems that Harm: The Ethics of Scaffolding for Support
Health care does not happen in a vacuum—it unfolds within complex social systems that shape how care is delivered, accessed and experienced. Drawing on insights from disability studies, this talk examines how those very systems can sometimes cause harm, even without individual fault or ill intent. These “structural harms” are especially troubling in clinical and institutional settings, where vulnerable individuals may be impacted by policies or procedures that no single actor controls. By highlighting these systemic dynamics, this talk argues for a collective ethical responsibility to redesign our health-care scaffolding—building institutions that promote dignity, justice and genuine support for all. This talk invites reflection on the moral obligations of professionals, institutions and communities in shaping just systems of care.
Kevin Timpe, Ph.D., is the William H. Jellema Chair in Christian Philosophy at Calvin University. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Saint Louis University. His primary research interests range across the metaphysics of free will, philosophy of disability, virtue theory and philosophical theology. He has published 11 books, including Disability and Inclusive Community (Calvin Press, 2018), the Routledge Companion to Free Will (Routledge, 2017), Virtues and their Vices (Oxford University Press, 2014), and Free Will in Philosophical Theology (Bloomsbury, 2013). In addition, he has published more than 60 journal articles and book chapters.
Uber's Problem and the Moral Architecture of the Gig Economy
Like many titans of the gig economy, Uber has faced recurrent legal and political battles regarding its relation to the millions of drivers who actually provide its rides. Uber maintains that its drivers are “independent contractors” who sign short-term contracts to perform a short-term service. Yet many of those drivers insist that they are not really independent but are pervasively subject to Uber’s oversight and influence, so they deserve health and unemployment insurance, collective bargaining, and all that goes with employment in a firm. Courts around the world have reached divergent verdicts, variously classifying drivers as contractors or employees. Although the Uber problem may seem no more than an abstract legal dispute, what is actually at stake are rival visions of the moral architecture of our new tech-mediated economy. Are Uber and similar platforms ultimately no more than price-guided private exchange, or are they actually new forms of business association oriented to shared goals? On a neo-Aristotelian account, all genuine common action demands allegiance to the common end, whereas impersonal market contracts are morally oriented to coordinated private gain. This talk argues that Uber’s surveillance and control over its drivers bespeaks hierarchical power beyond mere exchange, giving drivers real membership in a shared project and a just claim on shared goods. Ultimately, the problem with Uber is not that it aspires to promote private benefits (flexible wages for drivers, profits for the company), which are good things in themselves, but rather a failure of integrity, since the company implicitly exercises power over its drivers while explicitly denying that it does so.
Mark Hoipkemier is an assistant research professor in business ethics and society at the University of Notre Dame, where he arrived this summer after four years teaching PPE (Politics, Philosophy, and Economics) at the University of Navarra in Spain. A political theorist by training, his research focuses on developing the idea of common goods and a social and institutional theory to undergird it. His work draws heavily on the Aristotelian tradition insofar as it illuminates the dimensions of cooperation, power and shared character that often go neglected in the prevailing modern accounts of social life.
When Living Becomes Assisted
OLLI Senior Readers Theater presents When Living Becomes Assisted, a poignant look at one family’s struggle with the question: "When is it time for an elderly loved one to move into assisted living?" Sometimes the answer is clear; other times, the decline is so gradual it goes unnoticed—until a crisis forces the issue. The play explores the fear of leaving the comfort of home, the sense of lost independence, and the growing tension between parent and family. Across four scenes spanning several months, we witness the subtle yet inevitable changes that echo the experience of countless older adults. The performance will feature a discussion afterward.
Director
Dr. D. Terry Williams is professor and chair emeritus of theatre at Western Michigan University. He has taught script analysis and theatre history for more than 50 years and has directed more than 100 productions for university, community and professional theatres. Dr. Williams is also a founder and former advisory board member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University (OLLI at WMU) and is a frequent instructor for OLLI.
Assistant Director
Mary VanDerMaas has held a variety of roles throughout life, but many would say she shines brightest on a well-lit stage. Curious about acting from a young age, VanDerMaas began her theatrical journey in the mid-70s and has since been involved in countless productions whether directing, acting, doing makeup, procuring props or moving scenery. She retired from her professional career working with students with special needs in 2013. She became a member of the OLLI Senior Readers Theater Group in 2023 and is delighted to have a new way to share her talents with the community.
Playwright
Kelly O’Leary retired from teaching composition and French for 24 years at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where she served as founder and co-president of the adjunct union. A book and library lover, O’Leary started a Friends group at her local library and served as president for a number of years. She is currently a director on the board of the Friends of Michigan Libraries and helps maintain their Facebook page. She is a volunteer on the Events Committee of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University (OLLI at WMU) and is the playwright for OLLI Senior Readers Theater. In her spare time, O’Leary enjoys genealogy, gardening, and art classes at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Co-Stage Managers
Stephanie Groshko Grathwol is thrilled to be a part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University’s (OLLI at WMU) Senior Readers Theater. She joined OLLI in 2016 after decades of employment in various business entities and as a community volunteer. She holds degrees from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the former Nazareth College. She specifically joined OLLI Senior Readers Theater to challenge her fear of public speaking.
Sharon Wade After retiring from the International Legal Department at Pfizer, Wade accepted a friend’s invitation to an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) event — and never looked back. Over the past 11 years, she has volunteered with the Travel Team and is currently a member of the Events, Membership/Marketing, and Leadership Teams. She especially enjoys her role as Co-Stage Manager with the Senior Reader’s Theater, where she prefers working behind the scenes. Through OLLI, Sharon has found friendship and continued enjoyment in lifelong learning and volunteering.
Discussion Participant
Shukurani Nsengiyumva is a program manager with the Alzheimer's Association and an MPH student at Western Michigan University. As a former refugee, she brings more than 10 years of experience in community advocacy with underserved populations including refugee communities globally. She specializes in promoting health equity for underserved communities, currently leading initiatives to improve dementia care access for Black and African American communities in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Cast
Helen Lutz is so happy to be performing for the Ethics Center. Before her retirement, she worked as a registered nurse and a licensed massage therapist. She and her husband moved to the Kalamazoo area about five years ago. Becoming a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University’s (OLLI at WMU) Senior Readers Theater has been very helpful making the transition to a new community. It’s a fun way to try a new skill of acting, and it’s a safe space to meet and make many friends, as well!
Marlene Denenfeld was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, along with a certificate in gerontology, from the University of Michigan. She coordinated community programs at the Oakland-Livingston Human Services Agency before moving to Kalamazoo, where she facilitated retirement planning at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and worked as a medical and geriatric social worker at Borgess Medical Center. After the Borgess Geriatric Center closed, she continued her career in dialysis social work at Fresenius Medical Care facilities across Southwestern Michigan until retiring in 2019. In retirement, Denenfeld stays active in her synagogue, volunteers in the community, exercises regularly, and enjoys time with her friends, family and five grandchildren.
Patricia Holmes started Readers Theater in Traverse City and Glen Arbor. When she moved to Kalamazoo, she sought out a readers theater here and found Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University’s (OLLI at WMU) Senior Readers Theater. It is the highlight of her week. She feels challenged and enjoys the camaraderie of other like-minded people.
Lori Drogosh worked as a special education teacher for her entire career, having taught in the suburban Chicago area for many years and also in the Gull Lake Community Schools District for 15 years. Before retiring, she enjoyed directing Gull Lake High School’s “Glitter” talent show for several years while her two sons were in high school. She has been a member of the Gull Lake Area Community Volunteers for more than 20 years, which is a non-profit organization that assists families in need in her community. Drogosh loves to cook and enjoys growing beautiful perennials. She has recently found a motto that she tries to uphold: “Try to do something creative every day!”
Linda Ginsberg was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, and studied French and psychology at Albright College, where she was the host of the college radio station WXAC's jazz program. After graduation, she worked as a research assistant for a neuroanatomist at Temple Medical School in Philadelphia, studying the innervation of the conduction system of the heart. She later transitioned to working in the medical field of cardiology at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo as a cardiovascular technologist and medical coding specialist in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (for 30+ years). Now in retirement, she has found a new outlet for her energy and a whole bunch of new friends at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University’s (OLLI at WMU) Senior Readers Theater.
Joanne Baretta has lived in Kalamazoo since 1967. Her career includes roles in education and administration at St. Augustine Elementary, Maple St. YMCA and Western Michigan University. She enjoys tennis, reading, cooking and spending time with loved ones. A dedicated volunteer, she has supported local schools, arts events, youth sports and statewide conferences. Though new to the stage, she appeared in college plays and as an extra in Kalamazoo the Movie! Since joining Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University’s (OLLI at WMU) Senior Readers Theater this year, she says, “The members are like family—it’s given me a chance to tap into my inner theatrical child!”
Judith Henley worked in packaging distribution management in Kalamazoo for 26 years. After retirement, she owned a Biggby franchise for 12 years in Kalamazoo. Joining Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University’s (OLLI at WMU) Senior Readers Theater has fulfilled a lifelong desire to be an actress.
Valerie Denghel moved to Kalamazoo for a career in pharmaceutical sales. After retiring, she began volunteering as a reading tutor in local schools, where she noticed many children arriving in inadequate footwear. This observation led her to found the First Day Shoe Fund in 2006—a program that remains active today, having served 11,000 children last year. After stepping back from the organization, Valerie joined Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University’s (OLLI at WMU) Senior Readers Theater, where she has embraced every moment. It has allowed her to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming an actor.
Norman Bober is a former librarian who maintains his continuous curiosity by embracing sustainable country living. A stage debut in kindergarten found enthusiasm. That energy went latent until retirement and the creativity of participating in Senior Odyssey of the Mind. Lifelong Learning has found form with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University’s (OLLI at WMU) and OLLI Senior Readers Theater. They provide opportunities for brain stretch in thoughtful awareness, nuance in voice tone, and adaptability to different scripts.
Gordon Bolar worked in Public TV and Public Radio in Anchorage, Alaska, and in Michigan for 22 years. He retired as General Manager of Public Radio Station, WMUK at Western Michigan University in 2016. He continues to write theatre reviews for WMUK. Gordon also taught college and university theatre and has directed more than 30 productions. Gordon is an award winning, and published playwright. He has written more than 30 plays. His work has been produced or read in twelve states. He received an M.F.A. in Directing from Ohio University, and a Ph.D. in theatre from Louisiana State University.
Lisa Brennan worked in the human resources field for more than thirty years and graduated from work (retired) in February 2025. Thanks to her son, DJ, one of her passions is live theatre and she has been volunteering as a Stage Manager, and in other backstage crew positions, with the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre for over a decade. In addition, Lisa has stage management experience with Kalamazoo Pride and TEDx Kalamazoo. Retirement has afforded Lisa the opportunity to explore OLLI and all that it has to offer including joining the Reader’s Theatre in the fall of 2025. Lisa is looking forward to the chance to shine on stage after spending so many years backstage.
Artificial Intelligence and the Complexities of Love and Creativity in Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun
This talk explores how Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Klara and the Sun helps us think about the ethics of artificial intelligence and other technological advances in relation to the perennial philosophical question of what it means to be human. It examines three of the ways the novel explores this question. The first involves narrative and identity: how we tell our stories to ourselves. The second involves love: how our words, stories and conversations foster complex relationships. The third involves Ishiguro’s subtle metafictional meanings: how we are driven to make and learn from art and creative representations of ourselves.
Jil Larson has taught at Western Michigan University since 1992. Dr. Larson earned her graduate degrees at Indiana University, Bloomington, where she specialized in 19th-century British literature and culture. Her book-length study of late-Victorian British narratives and ethical theory was published by Cambridge University Press. Continuing to pursue her interests in ethics and literature, she serves on the board of WMU’s Ethics Center and has developed literature courses on topics such as ethics and belief and ethics, science and the future. Her current research focuses on memory and ethics in the fiction of Kazuo Ishiguro.
Disparities in PFAS Exposure and Health Impacts
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of chemicals used for their water, stain and fire-resistant properties. They are used in many consumer products, including clothing, carpets, non-stick cookware, electronics, food packaging and aqueous firefighter foams (AFFF) used to fight flammable liquid fire (such as fuel fires). They are also used in many industrial processes, including chrome plating and textile manufacturing. PFAS are released into the environment via multiple pathways, including industrial manufacturing of PFAS, use and training with AFFF, and landfills receiving PFAS-containing waste. Many PFAS are highly mobile and migrate easily through soils, surface and groundwater, air and dust, plants, and other organisms. They are persistent in the environment, bioaccumulate in organisms and biomagnify up the food chain.
Two common PFASs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), have been investigated extensively in animal and human studies. They are known to affect multiple systems in the body, including the liver, kidneys, thyroid and immune system. Although PFOA and PFOS began to be phased out in the early 2000s, they continue to persist in our environment and have been replaced in products with mixtures of other PFASs. Thus, society must simultaneously identify and address mixtures of “legacy” PFAS contamination while mixtures of “current use” PFAS continue to be widely produced and discharged.
Although everyone has some exposure to PFAS, exposure and health risks are not distributed equally across populations. This talk will explore the social, geographic and occupational disparities in PFAS exposure, highlighting how systemic factors, such as proximity to industrial sites, socioeconomic status, race and regulatory gaps, contribute to unequal burdens. Drawing on recent epidemiological studies, biomonitoring data and community-based research, it will examine how these disparities manifest and intersect and discuss implications for environmental justice and public health policy. The presentation will also consider strategies for addressing these inequities, including improved monitoring, targeted interventions and inclusive decision-making processes.
Courtney Carignan is an exposure scientist and epidemiologist who investigates exposure to contaminants in food, water and consumer products, as well as effects on reproductive, immune and child health. She has 20 years of experience working on a range of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, industrial solvents and persistent organic pollutants. For the past decade, her work has focused on PFAS exposure, health effects and translation into health protective action. This talk is part of the Ethics Center’s Bach Public Health event series.
Dr. Carignan is an assistant professor at Michigan State University with a joint appointment in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. She completed postdoctoral training at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, a Ph.D. in environmental health at the Boston University School of Public Health, and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences at Rutgers University.