Critical Issues Symposium

Growing Distrust of National Institutions
Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Daytime classes are canceled to allow students, faculty and staff full opportunity to attend the keynote address and take part in afternoon breakout sessions.

The Student Congress has worked hard to assemble a program on a topical and important subject that should be of interest to all on campus. We strongly encourage faculty to consider ways in which they can integrate the keynote lecture and/or one or more of the breakout sessions into your courses and syllabi.

10–11 a.m. – Keynote Lecture

• “Enchantment: How to Thrive in Polarizing Times”
  Chloe Valdary
  Jack H. Miller Center

11:30–1 p.m. – Break for Lunch

1–1:45 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
(Choose One)

• “The Importance of Voting”
  League of Women Voters
  *voter registration*
  Cook Auditorium, De Pree Art Center
  
  
• “Resurrection ft. The Hope Western Prison Education Program”
  Dr. Fred Johnson
  Winants Auditorium, Graves Hall
  
  
• “Distorted Wellness: How Media Warps Our Views on Diet and Health”
  Dr. Brian Rider
  Schaap Auditorium, Bultman Student Center

2–2:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions
(Choose One)

• “Mistrust in the Church: Why are People Leaving Religion?”
  Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren
  Winants Auditorium, Graves Hall
  
  
• “Restoring Hope in Higher Education”
  President Scogin
  Schaap Auditorium, Bultman Student Center

3–3:45 p.m. – Endnote Lecture

• “How Practicing Radical Empathy Builds Trust”
  Elisabeth Bendle and Anna Bonnema
  Jack H. Miller Center