Manchester University announces lineup for spring Values, Ideas and the Arts series

Jan 18, 2024, 13:35 PM by Chloe Leckrone
Manchester University offers more than a dozen presentations in its Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) series for Spring 2024. Presentations are at 11 a.m. Mondays in Wine Recital Hall on the North Manchester campus unless otherwise noted. They are free and open to the public.

Manchester University offers more than a dozen presentations in its Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) series for Spring 2024. Presentations are at 11 a.m. Mondays in Wine Recital Hall on the North Manchester campus unless otherwise noted. They are free and open to the public.

  • Jan. 29: President Stacy H. Young welcomes students back for spring semester. Held in Cordier Auditorium.
  • Feb. 5: Step Afrika! performs an array of traditional African and contemporary dances, integrating songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. Held in Cordier Auditorium.
  • Feb. 12: Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas explores the meaning of the man, mission, and movement of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in relationship to our troubled times. This program commemorates MLK Day, Jan. 15. Held in Cordier Auditorium.
  • Feb. 19: This panel discussion, led by Professor Dave McGrady, will address the challenges faced by conservatives on campus, the benefits of a politically diverse campus, and how Manchester University can foster a climate that values the infinite worth of every individual. Held in Flory Auditorium.
  • Feb. 26: Professor Jeff Osborne and students from Manchester’s medical practicum in Guatemala share stories of resilience and cultural exchange and explore the impact of health care interventions in diverse settings. 
  • March 4: Drawing upon decades-long experience in military and police forces and his expertise in approaching organizational conflict, Al Bello provides tools to become a flexible and innovative leader. 
  • March 10: Symphony guest artist Filip Michalak will perform “Piano Concerto No. 1” by Johannes Brahms, “Royal Fireworks Overture” by George Frideric Handel and “Duo Ye” by contemporary Chinese composer Chen Yi. This performance is at 3 p.m. on Sunday in Cordier Auditorium. 
  • March 11: This panel, led by Professor Gabriela Ramalho Tafoya, will feature student members of Manchester’s Model UN organization. 
  • March 25: Professor Jacob Mertens and students of the COMM 336 Video Games and Virtual Identities course discuss emergent trends in game studies. 
  • April 1: Chad Heck, a 2004 Manchester graduate, delves into the complexities of censorship, examining its impact on intellectual freedom and the broader societal implications of restricting access to information.  
  • April 8: Reflections from a panel of Manchester Honors students, facilitated by Dean Pam Haynes.  
  • April 15: This presentation from the Office of Advancement and students of the Advanced Public Relations course, led by Professor Tim McKenna-Buchanan, will explore topics of philanthropy education and the economics behind non-profit organizations. 
  • April 22: As our society goes through the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy, the paths ahead supply many interesting challenges and unique opportunities for Manchester’s campus. Presentation led by Professor Jeff Osborne, with senior Sarah Eberly and Duke Energy. 
  • May 6: Baccalaureate, a reflective celebration of the Class of 2024, led by graduating seniors and featuring musical performances from student ensembles. Held in Cordier Auditorium.

For more information about individual presentations, visit www.manchester.edu/academics/VIA

Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester

Our mission: Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.