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Med Center Rabbi delivering prayers

Rabbi Kalam Winnick, a chaplain at UCLA’s Medical Center, is currently in the Middle East, delivering hand-written prayers from med center patients, staffers and others to the Kotel – the Jewish “Wailing Wall” – as well as the Muslim Mosque at the Dome of the Rock.

The two locations, both in Jerusalem, are sacred in the Jewish and Islamic traditions, respectively.

The written prayers ranged from the general – asking for world peace – to the very specific – one asked for God to look over a person’s three-year-old who needed a liver transplant.

Collecting prayers from people of many different traditions, Winnick said he hopes he can transport the spirit of the UCLA Medical Center to the Holy Land.

“The people here – we work with each other. We set everything aside and say, how can I help you get more healthy?” he said.

“If we could transport that spirit, the Holy Land would be more holy.”

Though he realizes traveling to Israel may be dangerous during times of political violence, Winnick said the suffering people in the region “deserve not to be left alone.”

“I would be giving up on life not to go,” he said.

UCLA nurse Helen Bengston, who comes from a Mormon tradition, was thankful to Winnick and decided she would send a prayer with him after watching a television special on the Smith family. Joseph Smith founded the Mormon Church.

“I was just so grateful for what I had,” she said.

“I needed to write my heart.”

Replacement for new EVC named

Christopher Waterman, chair of the Department of World Arts and Cultures at UCLA, was named acting dean of UCLA’s School of the Arts and Architecture, effective July 1.

Waterman succeeds Daniel Neuman, who has accepted appointment as executive vice chancellor of UCLA.

Waterman is an anthropologist and musician who specializes in the study of music and popular culture in Africa and the Americas.

“The main task before us is to maintain our impressive forward momentum in the areas of teaching and research, public arts presentation, and extramural support for our students and programs,” Waterman said.

A national search for a permanent dean is being initiated.

New administrator for communications

Lawrence Lokman, a communications professional with experience in public relations and education initiatives, was appointed assistant vice chancellor of university communications at UCLA, effective June 17.

Lokman will oversee UCLA marketing, publications, Web-based communications, media relations, executive communications and the College of Letters & Science.

He will also provide communications advice for UCLA’s health sciences and professional schools.

“Lawrence Lokman brings a wealth of valuable experience in managing complex local, state and national communication campaigns,” said UCLA Vice Chancellor of External Affairs Michael Eicher.

Briefs compiled from Daily Bruin staff and wire reports

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