The Center for Global Education Remembers Dr. Steve Mecca

Dr. Stephen J. Mecca ’64 & ’66G was a professor of physics at Providence College for nearly 50 years whose indelible impact was felt in the classroom and well beyond it. His professional areas of interests often were intertwined with his personal pursuits. After earning his Ph.D. in nuclear physics and focusing his professional efforts in that area, including serving on the Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Mecca’s interests pivoted to global health.

In 2009, while teaching the University of Ghana-Legon during a sabbatical, Dr. Mecca became concerned about the impact that unsanitary toilets were having on health – particularly of young women. He immediately set out to produce a clean, affordable, and water-efficient toilet. The model he created wasn’t just hygienic and environmentally friendly, it also enabled economic growth by empowering local builders and entrepreneurs to become involved in its production. The Global Sustainable Aid Project, of which Dr. Mecca served as president, trained nearly 300 people to produce the toilets in 21 countries worldwide.

In 2010, Dr. Mecca started a short-term study abroad program in Ghana that allowed Providence College students the opportunity to utilize their talents to help further this global health initiative. While many students involved in this work were engineering-physics-systems majors, he involved students in non-construction capacities as well. For instance, students assisted in translating guidebooks into Haitian, Creole, and Spanish and developed educational resources to assist local healthcare workers. In recent years, Dr. Comfort Ateh, associate professor of education, and Dr. Terry McGoldrick, associate professor of theology, have served as faculty leaders on the program, bringing 48 students to Ghana to continue Dr. Mecca’s work.

Dr. Mecca’s work left a lasting impact on many. He embodied the mission of Providence College – as a teacher, as an innovator, and as a servant to a larger, global community. Dr. Mecca will not be forgotten.