Madalyn Pollock fidgeted with her pearl necklace Wednesday as tears filled her eyes.
Photos of her husband flashed across the screen in Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre as an introduction to journalist Laurie Garrett’s presentation.
Garrett’s presentation was the first part of the Jaqua Foundation Symposium, a program designed to honor the late 1942 MSU graduate Samuel Pollock. Pollock graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The foundation will bring one science speaker to campus each year.
“If he were here, Sam would say, ‘All this for me?’” said Madalyn Pollock, who flew in from Florida to attend the presentation. “He would be extremely honored.”
Garrett’s presentation, entitled “Betrayal of Trust: The Collapse of Global Public Health,” which shares its name with her latest book, was meant to educate students about the emergence of new diseases.
“I love speaking to undergraduates if they are really bright, motivated people,” Garrett said. “They haven’t become jaded yet. They haven’t decided smart equals cynical.”
Garrett, who writes for NewsDay, was scheduled to speak on campus Sept. 11, but canceled because of the terrorist attacks. The date on the program for the Wednesday’s presentation still said Sept. 11.
Garrett, the only person who has won the Pulitzer, Peabody and Polk awards in journalism, introduced her presentation by talking about her experience on Sept. 11. She was in her apartment in Brooklyn Heights when the World Trade Center was struck.
“The whole time there were toxic fumes blowing into my bedroom window,” Garrett said. “I inhaled Ground Zero.”
Linda Chadderdon, spokeswoman College of Veterinary Medicine, said public health issues are of particular importance after the terrorist attacks.
“All of a sudden there is a re-emergence of public health issues after September 11, with anthrax and other things,” she said.
“Public health may become an issue of public interest again.”
Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, said she thinks Garrett’s presentation will honor Pollock and benefit the university.
“Dr. Pollock was a truly perceptive individual who did a lot for his community and had a kind heart. The spirit of the symposium really brings that to light,” she said. “Garrett’s presentation is a great opportunity to get the veterinary medicine school involved with the rest of campus.”
William Falls, a professor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, said Garrett’s presentation is significant to other colleges within MSU as well.
“It’s important for students to understand the impact of medicine globally and not just in this country,” he said. “Many students do work internationally.”
Human medicine sophomore Laura Freidhoff said she chose to attend the presentation because of Garrett’s reputation.
“She does really great work,” Freidhoff said.
“The talk was recommended by my fellow students. It really provides a larger perspective of health that lies outside the doctor-patient relationship.”
