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WesternU / Office of Humanism

Office of Humanism

Greetings!

WesternU is creating an environment where all feel like they are welcome and fit into the culture of humanism. As a private educational institution in the health sciences, we have an immense responsibility to create the conditions, provide the opportunities, to facilitate inquiry into the truth of the multiple identities that every generation brings to the campus, and practice compassion in the service of health for all.

Welcome to WesternU!

Suresh Appavoo, EdD
Vice President for Humanism

Humanism As A Core Value

Humanism is at the core of WesternU and encompasses values that we regard to be vital to our mission in health care, education, and community. These values include acceptance, altruism, compassion, diversity, empathy, fairness, inclusion, integrity, kindness, and respect. We embrace Humanism as a primary principle that shapes our actions, interactions, and institutional culture. Embracing Humanism empowers us to grow as individuals and as a community. It is a lifelong and daily commitment—one that requires intention, action, and reflection. Only through this ongoing practice can we truly embody WesternU Humanism and fulfill our mission to teach, to heal, together.
WesternU Initiatives and Strategies for Humanism (WISH) Plan

WesternU Humanism in Action

  • A woman in a red suit gives a presentation in front of a screen displaying the words "Ableism," "Classism," and "Ageism. Black History Month
  • A man with a beard and a black headband gives a thumbs up while holding a decorated red mask. There are colorful items on a table behind him. Latine Heritage Month
  • Person in a purple dress dancing outdoors at night, with balloons and others in the background. Diwali Celebration
  • Participants perform a traditional dragon dance in a park, with several people holding a long, colorful dragon figure. WesternU Celebrates Lunar New Year
  • Five people standing, smiling for a photo. WesternU Holds Its First Juneteenth Celebration
  • College of Optometry Grad Returns to Navajo Nation as Health Care Provider
  • COMP Students Provide Screenings at Juneteenth Event
  • CVM Veterinarians Provide Valuable Service for Pets of the Homeless
    • A group of people stand smiling indoors, holding various colorful piñatas. A table with a patterned cloth is in front of them.

    Our Humanistic Values

    Humanism is at the core of WesternU and encompasses values that we regard to be vital to our mission in health care, education, and community.
    About Western University of Health Sciences

    Office of Humanism

    Portrait of Michelle Cowling

    Michelle Cowling

    Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Humanism

    Office of Humanism

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    Romellus Wilson

    Assistant Director of Programming

    Office of Humanism