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

• Aug. 26: Opening convocation with President Stacy H. Young. Held in Cordier Auditorium. 
• Sept. 2: Dr. Martin P. Wattenberg, political science professor at the University of California, Irvine, discusses the new edition of his book, Is Voting for Young People?, which examines the crucial role of young people in elections. 
• Sept. 9: Dr. Jyotika Saksena, professor of international relations at the University of Indianapolis, presents on her photovoice project featuring Congolese refugee women in Indiana. 
• Sept. 16: Hispanic Heritage Month panel. 
• Sept. 23: Mark Mccoy, assistant professor of psychology at MU, discusses the science of polling and controversies related to predicting the outcomes of elections.
• Sept. 30: Diversity in the Workplace – LGBTQ. 
• Oct. 7: Dr. Doug Tallamy, professor of agriculture at the University of Delaware, discusses the simple steps that each of us can – and must – take to reverse declining biodiversity, why we must change our adversarial relationship with nature to a collaborative one, and why we, ourselves, are nature’s best hope. Held in Cordier Auditorium. 
• Oct. 21: Faculty from Manchester's chemistry department share stories of the personal lives of scientists and the histories of their discoveries. 
• Oct. 28: Faculty and students discuss political ideologies and other salient topics in this electoral season. 
• Nov. 4: Presentation to kick off Focus on Faith Week. 
• Nov. 11: A panel discussion with Manchester students and faculty on mental health issues. Their stories seek to inform, educate and empower as these challenges become increasingly prevalent. 
• Nov. 18: Diversity in the Workplace – Political Views. 
• Nov. 25: Janzin Cripe, owner of Chillz Ice Cream and Donuts in North Manchester, discusses entrepreneurship in a small town. 
• Dec. 2: Diversity in the Workplace – Interfaith. 

Manchester’s VIA programming broadens students’ cultural experiences, enriches students intellectually and aesthetically, provides opportunities to experience the arts, promotes dialogue about ideas and values, and embodies in its presentations the values expressed in the University Mission. VIA features speakers, musicians and dramatic performers from the University community, across the country and around the globe. 

There will be more information about individual presentations to come at www.manchester.edu/academics/VIA. 

For the media 

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.