Doctor to Share Lessons from Mother Teresa

Kent Salem Nursing Students Hosting Speaker Dr. Paul Wright; Cardiologist Will Share Lessons from Mother Teresa

Kent State University at Salem nursing students will host cardiologist Dr. Paul Wright, speaking about “Compassionate Care” on Wed., April 16, at 3 p.m. in the City Center auditorium. He will share the story of his life-changing friendship with Mother Teresa and how her work also changed his way of practicing medicine. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Wright worked with Mother Teresa during the last five years of her life through her Missionaries of Charity organization and wrote the acclaimed book, Mother Teresa’s Prescription: Finding Happiness and Peace in Service

The book explains how Wright sought out Mother Teresa during a low point in his life and how her “prescription” transformed his values and lifestyle. He shares how he learned that the purpose of life is to serve others with compassion.

Wright received his undergraduate degree at Notre Dame in 1972 before attending medical school and beginning his residency in cardiology. He is a partner of the Ohio Heart Institute, a private cardiovascular medical center in Youngstown and Warren.

A native of Steubenville, he founded the “Poorest of the Poor” program in 1995 to collect and distribute clothing to underprivileged people in the United States. In 2001, Wright developed a medication assistance program to make prescription drugs more available to needy patients in northeastern Ohio. 

In 2003, Wright received the U.S. Catholic Bishop’s Voice of Hope award for excellence, creativity and leadership in charity and justice. In 2004, he received the Thomas A. Dooley Award from the Notre Dame Alumni Association for humanitarian accomplishments.

The Salem City Center is located at 230 N. Lincoln Ave., Salem.

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Media Contact:
Tina Smith, 330-337-4247, tsmit170@kent.edu

Updated: Thursday, December 8, 2022 09:22 AM

Kent State University at Salem recently presented John Tonti the Friend of the Campus award, the highest honor presented annually to non-students. It recognizes community members, businesses and organizations that support increasing access to higher education in Salem and surrounding communities.

Tonti is the president of the Salem Community Foundation, a position he has held since 1992. He began his tenure with the organization in 1981 as its treasurer.

Kent State University at Salem recognized the academic achievements of several students during its annual Student Awards Ceremony, while also honoring the service of faculty, staff and its Friend of the Campus.

The awards and recipients are:

Kent State East Liverpool Observing Earth Day 

The 2026 Kent State East Liverpool Earth Day observance will be held April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon in Purinton Hall, located at 400 E. Fourth St. The free event is open to the public. 

This year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet. Featured speakers are Zihan Lin Ph.D. from Cleveland State University and Kelli Pastore, parks director with the Salem Parks and Recreation Department.