Six UB faculty members from various disciplines will leverage reason and persuasion to vie for a spot in a hypothetical raft that will transport the survivors of a doomsday disaster to safety so they can continue the human race.

Back by popular demand, the Life Raft Debate, sponsored annually by the UB Honors College, will take place from 6:15-7:45 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Student Union Theatre, North Campus. Audience members will determine the winner based on the arguments made by the six faculty members.

This year’s contestants:

●      Kevin Burke, associate professor of teaching, Department of Electrical Engineering.

●      Cari Casteel, clinical assistant professor, Department of History.

●      Joseph A. Costa, instructor, Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences.

●      Shawn J. Donahue, clinical assistant professor, Department of Political Science.

●      David Gray, clinical assistant professor, Department of Philosophy.

●      Paul Linden-Retek, lecturer in law and society, School of Law.

In recognition of the Honors College’s 40th anniversary, Henry J. Nowak, an Honors College alumnus, will serve as judge and master of ceremonies. Nowak, justice of the New York State Supreme Court in the 8th Judicial District, also is a graduate of the UB School of Law.

The winner of the 2021 debate, John D. Atkinson, professor and chair of the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, will serve as Devil’s Advocate.