The liberal arts: not just for students

We talk a lot at CSB and SJU about the value of the liberal arts experience we offer our students, and I have no doubt it is exceptional. Since I work in communication and marketing, I see evidence of it every day. But every now and then I take advantage of the experience myself.

Last month I enjoyed two occasions to immerse myself in the liberal arts. I signed up for a book discussion group which culminated with a dinner with the author. I also attended Private College Scholars at the Capitol, an annual event that showcases student scholarship. In both instances I got to talk about ideas with people representing a range of academic disciplines and perspectives.

The book discussion group was the first organized by Noreen Herzfeld in her capacity as Nicholas and Bernice Reuter Professor of Science and Religion. We read The Evolution of God, a New York Times bestseller and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize by Robert Wright, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation and editor in chief of Bloggingheads.tv. http://www.newamerica.net/people/robert_wright

Two discussion groups composed of faculty and administrators, as well as student reading groups met separately earlier in the month. Then, we all convened Feb. 20 for a casual dinner with the author at the Saint John’s Pottery Studio. In that relaxed atmosphere, we engaged the author and each other in conversation about how we perceive God, how those perceptions have changed over time and how our understanding of God affects the way we treat each other as individuals and as nations.

My compliments to the many individuals who made this a perfect evening. In addition to Noreen’s efforts, Richard White, associate professor of chemistry and director of the Honors Program and Undergraduate Research, organized the honors student reading groups. The Benedictine Institute provided funding support, and Hilary Thimmesh, director of the Benedictine Institute, hosted a discussion one evening. Gloria Hardy, master of all essential matters at the Benedictine Institute, provided indispensable organizational support. Finally, Richard Bresnahan, Saint John’s artist-in-residence, provided Benedictine hospitality as the gracious host at the studio.

I realize much behind-the-scenes work went into making the experience appear so effortless. Since all I had to do was read a book, show up, talk about it and eat, it’s easy for me to say, “Hey, let’s do this again sometime,” but I hope we do.

February must have been a busy time for Richard White. I saw him again a few days later in the capitol rotunda, where four of our students gave poster presentations of their research. They were among 39 students presenting their research as representatives of Minnesota private colleges. The Scholars at the Capitol program is facilitated by the Minnesota Private College Council. https://sharepoint.csbsju.edu/Pages/Scholars-at-the-Capitol.aspx

As soon as I walked inside the capitol, I could feel the energy. A buzz of ideas filled the rotunda as students explained their research projects to visitors. I talked with each of our four students – Heather Beckius, CSB sophomore English major; Pierce Edmiston, SJU senior individualized major in cognitive science; Shannon McEvoy, CSB senior art and Hispanic studies double-major; and Christopher Seiler, SJU senior chemistry major. Then I went around and talked with students from the other private schools.

By the end of the day, I felt better about the future of our country. I felt downright optimistic. We hear plenty in the news about problems we face in our communities and worldwide. These students – with their intellectual enthusiasm, their energy and their confidence – are the solution.