Dr. Kim Scipes: Building a Network of Compassion in a World Waiting to Be United

Abstract

In his career, Dr. Kim Scipes has been globally active in the labor movement for almost 40 years and has published over 240 articles and book reviews. Additionally, Dr. Scipes has authored four books, three of which were completed while Dr. Scipes taught at PNW (the first two while he was teaching four courses a semester); his publication list is accessible via: https://www.pnw.edu/faculty/kim-scipes-ph-d/publications/, a listing that strongly illustrates his impressive range of work and dedication to advancing knowledge not just for the university, but for the world. Dr. Scipes’ Sociology 404 course (Environment and Social Justice) gives students a sociological look at the social interaction between human beings and their physical environment, and provides theoretical frameworks to understanding society and approaching the subject globally. The course presents pressing issues both from Northwest Indiana and around the world. Dr. Scipes is an active member of OUR MC (Organized and United Residents of Michigan City), and has helped some of his former students establish PARC (Politics, Art, Root and Culture); both organizations aim to build a more informed, engaged, and inclusive community. Through these organizations, Dr. Scipes has helped continue integrating his students and the community with many of the important concepts discussed in his courses; through PARC, he has even connected students from his “People’s Mobilization and Social Power” course (SOC 406) with the founders to discuss community-based organizations, which has had a collectively profound impact on students and the community. At the end of Dr. Scipes’ SOC 404 course in 2016, Dr. Scipes’ students got together for a panel discussion on energy, population and consumption, deforestation, and climate change, inspired by the course. The event was covered by local media (an article about the event can be access via: https://www.nwitimes.com/news/education/students-tell-of-profits-environmental-costs/article_428234e8-e0cf-5280-8d8a-1cb67038856a.html) and helped spark important conversations in the community.