Revitalized Gerber Institute enjoys successful first year

Spring 2010 | Section: University News

The Gerber Institute for Catholic Studies at Newman University has built a solid foundation since being re-established in 2009. The institute, which is designed to promote interdisciplinary dialogue related to Catholic thought and practice, launched its inaugural year of programming with a theme of “Reconciling Differences.”

Robert Schreiter, C.PP.S.

Ron Hansen

The program began with a March lecture to more than 100 people by Robert Schreiter, C.PP.S., who has mediated conflicts all over the world. In the fall semester, the institute hosted a reading of Exiles by author Ron Hansen, whose award-winning books include Atticus, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and A Stay Against Confusion: Essays on Faith and Fiction.

In January, the institute presented a panel discussion called “Reconciliation and the Death Penalty: What Is the Way Forward?” which included the Catholic Church’s stance on the issue of capital punishment, and the perspectives of two panelists who have lost family members to murder yet oppose the death penalty. In April, the institute hosted a lecture by Paula Huston, author of Forgiveness: Following Jesus into Radical Loving, and a breakfast panel series on health care reform.

“Looking ahead, we plan to bring even higher profile speakers to Newman, support individuals or organizations that further our mission of dialogue and inquiry, work to build greater name recognition, and forge partnerships with community agencies and leaders,” said Associate Professor of Philosophy and Gerber Institute Director Jamey Findling, Ph.D. “The Gerber Institute is very well positioned to emerge as a significant site for both scholarly and public discourse. We just need to keep the momentum going.”

For more information about the Gerber Institute, call 316-942-4291, ext. 2798 or visit www.gerberinstitute.org.