Christ College Announces Fall Symposium Speakers

Valparaiso University’s Christ College — The Honors College announces its fall 2019 Symposium speaker series, featuring distinguished speakers and vibrant discussions on this year’s theme: “Healing.”

The speaker series features exemplary scholars, artists and public intellectuals addressing a common theme in a formal lecture. These public lectures are intended for audiences from the campus and civic community, as well as Christ College.

Fall speakers include:

Nicholas Denysenko: “The Eucharist and Hope for Christian Unity in an Age of Division: An Ecumenical Discussion,” Sept. 5, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Mueller Hall Refectory. Nicholas Denysenko, Ph.D., Emil and Elfriede Jochum Chair and professor of theology at Valparaiso University, will moderate a panel discussion with the Rev. Robert C. Saler, executive director of the Center for Pastoral Excellence, associate dean, and research professor of religion and culture at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis; the Rev. James Wetzstein, University Pastor at Valparaiso University and doctoral student in the Liturgical Studies program at the University of Notre Dame; and Fr. Chris Stanish, pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Helen Rhee: “Chronic Pain, Sustaining Faith: Hope and Healing in Research and Real Life,” Sept. 18, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Helge Center. A pastor and a scholar at Westmont College as professor of history of Christianity and religious studies, Helen Rhee, Ph.D., is currently writing a book on chronic pain and disability. She speaks on this issue both in the context of early Christian history and as it relates to her own personal experience as someone living with chronic pain. Rhee specializes in early Christian history, especially second- and third-century Christian literature and theology, focusing on the diverging Christian self-identities in relation to Greco-Roman culture and society. This event is co-sponsored by Valparaiso University’s Institute for Leadership and Service.

Adam Plantinga: “Police and Society: On Understanding as a Path Towards Healing,” Sept. 25, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Duesenberg Recital Hall, Center for the Arts. Sgt. Adam Plantinga of the San Francisco Police Department has written two nonfiction books about life as a police officer, covering a wide range of topics including use of force, racial profiling, interrogation techniques and more. His works focus deeply on how the police and public must understand the other in order to restore healing and trust.

Jane E. Schultz: “Surgical Registers: How Verbal Precision Advanced Medical Professionalism in the Civil War Era,” Oct. 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Mueller Hall Refectory. A professor of English, history, and medical humanities at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Jane E. Schultz, Ph.D., has published works in both medical and literary journals, in addition to multiple books covering the history of medicine. She has been recognized with Indiana University Teaching Excellence Recognition Awards and was an IU New Frontiers Fellowship winner for “Lead, Blood, and Ink: A History of Civil War Medicine.”

L. DeAne Lagerquist: “Works of Love: Sister Elizabeth Fedde and Service to the Neighbor,” Oct. 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Chapel of the Resurrection. St. Olaf College’s L. DeAne Lagerquist, Ph.D., Ditmanson Professor of Religion; program director of American conversations; and chair of American studies, trained as a historian of Christianity and has long been interested in the interaction of religion and culture. She focuses much of her work on Christianity in the United States, with particular attention to Norwegian-America Lutheran women. This event is co-sponsored by Valparaiso University’s Church Relations and Core.

Meghan Sullivan: “Contemplation and Well-Being,” Nov. 7, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Duesenberg Recital hall, Center for the Arts. Meghan Sullivan, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy and the Rev. John A. O’Brien Collegiate Chair at the University of Notre Dame. Her research tends to focus on philosophical problems concerning time, modality, rational planning, value theory and religious belief. She has published works in many leading philosophy journals and is presently working on a general audience philosophy book based on Notre Dame’s “God and the Good Life Program.” This event is co-sponsored by Valparaiso University’s Department of Philosophy.

All events are free and open to the public.