New fund to honor late philosophy professor 

June 25, 2021 – Efforts are underway to establish a memorial endowment in honor of University of Wisconsin-River Falls Professor Imtiaz Moosa who taught at the university from 1989 until his unexpected passing in December 2020.

In tribute to the long-time philosophy professor, the Dr. Imtiaz Moosa Philosophy and Ethics Speaker Series Fund will provide financial resources for an annual contemporary philosophy and ethics symposium. 

“Professor Moosa is dearly missed by our entire Falcon family,” said Dean Yohnk, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Imtiaz demonstrated a vibrant spirit, a love of teaching, a steadfast dedication to our students and a true zest for life. We believe this new symposium will be a meaningful and lasting tribute to a memorable educator and remarkable person.” 

Yohnk said the goal is to endow the new fund, which requires contributions totaling a minimum of $25,000, to provide the ongoing financial resources for the speaker series. The sessions will feature leading experts and thought leaders on a variety of pressing philosophical, social justice and contemporary ethical issues. 

“Our campus community and the entire country needs rational, informed debate on important topics now more than ever,” explains Neil Kraus, chair of the History and Philosophy Department. “Our hope is that we can use the Dr. Imtiaz Moosa Philosophy and Ethics Symposium Series to bring in speakers to address many of the most important issues we face, including the precarious state of democracy itself.” 

Moosa earned his bachelors, masters and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. Over the course of his 30-plus year teaching career at UWRF, he impacted a multitude of students through a wide variety of philosophy courses.

To support the Dr. Imtiaz Moosa Philosophy and Ethics Symposium Series Fund, a secure online contribution can be made by visiting https://www.uwrf.edu/give/MoosaMemorial.cfm. Checks should be made payable to the UWRF Foundation with Imtiaz Moosa Symposium Fund indicated in the memo line. Contributions may be mailed to: UWRF Foundation, 118 North Hall, 410 S. 3rd St., River Falls, WI 54022.

For more information, contact University Advancement Director of Operations Kimberly Gould Speckman at 715-425-4212 or kimberly.gould-speckman@uwrf.edu.