Gathering Wisdom
Broaden your horizons and explore basic value issues during weekly convocations.
Renowned guest speakers, performing groups and presentations will expose you to politics, society, religion and the arts and sciences – and you’ll be able to ask your burning questions, too.
- 1960: Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on “The Future of Integration” in Memorial Hall.
- 1967: Bart Starr, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, spoke at the athletic boosters’ Buffalo BBQ.
- 2009: Convocation speakers included Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, and Wayne Simien, of the 2006 NBA champion Miami Heat.
Gain a broader perspective on current issues and historical events.
Build community through deeper understanding and respect for differing vantage points.
Determine where you stand on national and world issues from a more well-rounded view.
Fall 2023 convocation schedule
Convocations occur on Mondays at 11 a.m. in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The public is welcome to attend, although students will receive priority for seating in case of a full house and during the Q&A. “Special session” convos may occur in various campus locations at various times.
| Wednesday 8/16, 11 a.m. | Formal opening of school Robert Milliman, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty Krehbiel Auditorium |
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| Monday 8/21 | “Good Morning and Welcome to Convocation”: Why We Gather in Community Trent Voth, assistant professor of Bible and religion and convocation co-coordinator |
| Monday 8/28 | Campus Safety and Institutional Resources Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman, vice president for student life and dean of students |
| Sunday 9/10, 7 p.m. | Special session: Eat, Pray, Lift, a documentary by Dr. Caleb Stephens ’11 Krehbiel Auditorium |
| Monday 9/11 | We Are Who We Need: Creating Communities We Need Dr. Caleb Stephens ’11, LMSW, LMAC |
| Monday 9/18 | Visiting writer presentation: a reading from Eggtooth Jesse Nathan ’05, poet; lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley |
| Monday 9/25 | Housing Insecurities in Kansas and How You Can Help HumanKind Ministries, Wichita |
| Monday 10/2 | Bystander Intervention Janet Fulmer, Title IX Coordinator |
| Monday 10/9 | The Church, Migration and Disappeared People Fernando Perez and Rebeca Gonzalez, Newton/Mexico |
| Monday 10/23 | Young Alumni Award presentation Brian Skinner ’13, North Newton, Kansas Teacher of the Year 2023 |
| Monday 10/30 | Menno Simons Lecture Dr. Aileen Friesen, University of Winnipeg |
| Monday 11/6 | Visiting writer presentation Julia Spicher Kasdorf, poet; professor of English and director of creative writing, Penn State University |
| Monday 11/13 | JoinTrees: A campaign to help restore the earth by planting a million trees by 2030 Steve Thomas |