The Global Health Crisis
It’s not often that one gets to work on a project that is not only fun, but part of something that is going to make a real difference in the world. Both these are the case with one of our latest projects at the Web Group, the website for this year’s Notre Dame Forum.
From a technical perspective, this has been a milestone project. It’s the Web Group’s first project in Ruby on Rails. The Rails framework allowed John and me to develop a flexible, powerful website in record time, and include features we never would have had time to create using our previous methods. I am continually impressed with the quality and speed of Rails. And Ruby is just beautiful.
From a personal perspective, it’s an honor to be a part of an event that will make such a difference in the world today. The site presents the issues of the global health crisis, while educating people about what Notre Dame is doing about the situation. Much of this information is available on other sites around the Notre Dame web, but the Forum site brings it all together.
On September 14, 2006, a panel of respected authorities and select Notre Dame students and alumni will discuss the issues, challenges, and current efforts to combat conditions that threaten global health. The event will be held in front of thousands at the Joyce Center Arena on Notre Dame’s campus, and webcast live on the Forum Website.
I encourage you to visit the website, but more importantly, I ask you to participate by either attending the event, or by watching the webcast. The forum will introduce opportunities for you to take action concerning the state of health in our world today. I know it sounds cliché, but we really can make a difference.