In 1846, establishing Wheeling Jesuit University was proposed, and 108 years later it was a done deal. In mid-nineteenth century, WJU was an idea whose time hadn't come. Forty-three attendees from around the state addressed issues of critical importance to scientists, technologists, the business community, government, laymen, and educators. The sorting-out of these issues may take time, attendees agreed, but first they must be raised. The relationship between technology, ethics, and economic development, for instance, was explored in three panel discussions focused on West Virginia economic development specifically, the environment, and education.
Economic development is complex.
Another issue, how we are adapting to and handling almost constant change, was dealt with by luncheon keynote speaker Professor Langdon Winner, nationally recognized author and scholar in technology studies. Winner is professor of political science in the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, who focused on issues related to modern technological change. Winner is also the editor of Democracy in a Technological Age . We need to cultivate many other dimensions of ourselves to be whole. All Rights Reserved.