St. Norbert Times

Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Michelle Lee

The discussion panel "Can Smart Business People Change the World?" explored how economic factors and business decisions affect more than just the global economy. The event, sponsored by Beyond Borders and SIFE, offered an opportunity for students interested in business to learn more about how their future careers will impact global society.

The panel's first speaker was Dr. Emanuel Oliveira, visiting assistant professor of economics. Oliveira presented data reflecting economic trends in areas such as gross domestic product, foreign direct investment and others in the largest economies of the world. He then displayed graphs of life expectancy, adult literacy and other quality of life indicators. He connected the two subject areas with the statement "human life indicators are concurrent with economic indicators."

Dr. Wolfgang Grassl, associate professor of business administration, Dr. Robert Pyne, director of the Peace and Justice Center, and a former St. Norbert student currently working in international business also presented.

Grassl presented information regarding the encyclical released by Pope Benedict XVI in July of this year. The document, titled "Charity in Truth" offers insight into what the Catholic Church feels is the responsibility of global business leaders. Two of the many points in the encyclical are that we should achieve the most efficient use of resources and that we must practice responsible stewardship over nature.

The program was held Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Mulva Library Presentation Room.

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