A famous television commercial for Nike once featured Charles Barkley, the brash forward for the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, looking directly into the camera and declaring, “I am not a role model.”

The “round mound of rebound” was right. Barkley was no role model; even this year, long after his playing days ended, Barkley’s foibles became public when a Las Vegas casino sued him for nonpayment of gambling debt.

His statement for Nike, though, begs a question: What is a role model? Who are our role models? Are they arrogant athletes with scorched-earth spending habits? What are the criteria?

There’s no real answer to these questions. Who we choose to emulate, as a society, is a matter of taste.

All that can be made are suggestions. For us, a great suggestion is the man being honored today by Lewiston-Auburn and Maine: Dr. Bernard Lown.

Sure, he can’t dunk. (Or so we know.) And yes, his glam factor barely registers outside the worlds of academia, medicine and science. But of all the gems this region has produced, he shines among the brightest.

Just pick a reason: his research toward invention of the defibrillator, which continues to save lives; his ascension to the highest levels of cardiology; his ongoing efforts with the Lown Cardiovascular Research Organization.

Or last, but not least, his Nobel Peace Prize for his principled stance against nuclear proliferation, as part of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.

Not bad for a 1938 graduate of Lewiston High School, huh?

In selecting role models, it’s easy to be lured by those who seek attention, athletes especially. And while many deserve respect, too often their role-model credentials are forged only through SportsCenter.

Lown is different. He’s made this world better, undoubtedly, through his actions and beliefs. If the measure of a man is his principles, Lown is the gold standard: He has worked diligently to preserve life and peace.

Today is Dr. Bernard Lown Day in Maine. He’ll be honored by having the South Bridge renamed the Lown “Peace Bridge.” Lown will be ferried in an antique car onto the bridge, where dignitaries will fete him.

In published interviews, Dr. Lown called this recognition from the Twin Cities an “enormous honor.”

We beg to differ. Dr. Lown, the honor is all ours.