Alvernia Lecture Series · Alvernia Lecture Series Expand your mind with inspirational, thought-provoking lectures at Alvernia University ... Laura Schroff 8 Phyllis Kornfeld 9 Literary

Alvernia Lecture Series Expand your mind with inspirational, thought-provoking lectures at Alvernia University

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Updike Conference 2014Save the date! October 3-5, 2014The John Updike Society Conference will return to its original location at

Alvernia University in October 2014. Updike, who often spoke of “the proud

State of Pennsylvania from which I come,” was born in West Reading, raised

in Shillington for the fi rst 13 years of his life, and spent three summers

working as a copy boy for the Reading Eagle. Updike novels that earned

major awards (two Pulitzers, a National Book Award, and National Book

Critics Circle Award) were all written about life in Pennsylvania. Alvernia’s

Franco Library is the home to the scholarly archives of The John Updike Society.

For more information about the conference contact James Plath at 309-556-3352.

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O’Pake Lecture: Sen. Robert Casey 4

Founders Day Lecture: Eboo Patel 6

Laura Schroff 8

Phyllis Kornfeld 9

Literary Festival Calendar 10

Chip Kidd 12

Jessica Buchanan 13

Vatican II Lecture 14

Batdorf Lecture 16

Hesburgh Lecture: Rev. Daniel Groody 17

Performing Arts Series 18

Alvernia Lecture Series


Film SeriesThe O’Pake Film Series continues with a new set of films that will

focus on “Leadership.” Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for

Ethics, Leadership, and Public Service is collaborating with Albright

College, Penn State Berks, and Reading Area Community College to

bring a classic series of films and panel discussions to Berks County.

All showings will be in the Bernardine Lecture Hall on Alvernia’s cam-

pus or at the Miller Center for the Arts on the Reading Area Community

College campus, and are free and open to the public.

Annual LectureThe inaugural O’Pake Lecture will be delivered Sept.

5 by United States Sen. Robert Casey in the Francis Hall

Theater. Sen. Casey’s talk will focus on compromise

and civility, two timely topics given the nature of

political dialogue, particularly in Washington and

Harrisburg. There will also be a reception honoring

the former staffers of the late Sen. Michael O’Pake.

A bequest from Sen. O’Pake provides support for the

O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership and Public

Service, which is sponsoring the lecture.

O’Pake Lecture

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Date: September 5

Event: O’Pake Lecture: Sen. Robert Casey

Place: Francis Hall Theater

Time: 1:30 p.m.


In 2008, Alvernia received a gener-ous gift from T. Jerome and Carolyn Holleran, a Berks County couple with a passion for community service and a personal record of meaningful commu-nity engagement. The gift of $3 million included capital to enhance the work of the center in the Reading community as well as provisions to permanently endow it.

Rooted in the Franciscan identity of Alvernia University and its mission as

a teaching and learning institution, the Holleran Center identifies, cultivates, and sustains strategic partnerships to strengthen both campus and community life. By making these community part-nerships an essential part of the curricu-lum, the Holleran Center strives to foster the university mission and improve the quality of life in our community and to develop in its students a lifelong com-mitment to service as engaged citizens. Visit www.alvernia.edu/about/

holleran-center for more information.

Alvernia’s Centers for ExcellenceSPOTLIGHT:

Throughout its history, Alvernia University has aimed not only to develop students’ intellectual promise but also to foster their ethical and moral perspec-tives and emphasize their leadership potential. The O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Public Service seeks to build on this tradition. The O’Pake Institute is an expansion of the university’s Center for Ethics and Lead-ership, launched in 2006. It is named for longtime Alvernia board member, Sen.

Michael O’Pake, who passed away in December 2010. O’Pake served nearly four decades in the Pennsylvania State Senate as a champion for all those in need.

The institute will continue to be a nucleus for dialogue on contemporary ethical and leadership issues with a focus on promoting interdisciplinary discourse around social justice and Franciscan values. www.alvernia.edu/

about/ethics-and-leadership

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Eboo Patel Founders Day Lecture

Eboo Patel, author of award

winning “Acts of Faith: The Story of

an American Muslim, the Struggle for

the Soul of a Generation” and “Sacred

Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the

Promise of America,” will kick off both

the Literary Festival and Alvernia’s

Founders Day celebration on Sept. 18

(7 p.m., Physical Education Cen-

ter). Patel is a member of President

Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-

Based Neighborhood Partnerships,

and is the founder of Interfaith Youth

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Eboo Patel Founders Day Lecture

Date: September 18

Event: Founders Day Lecture: Eboo Patel

Place: Physical Education Center

Time: 7 p.m.

Core. His messages about the need for

interfaith cooperation are incredibly

relevant in today’s world, and an often

discussed topic at Alvernia University.

“Acts of Faith” (2010) is an inspiring

account read by all of Alvernia’s 2013

first-year students. “Sacred Ground”

(2012) will be read by students in an

Alvernia World Religions course.

Patel is a regular contributor to the

Washington Post, USA Today, CNN,

Huffington Post, and NPR.

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Laura SchroffLaura Schroff, author of “An Invisible Thread,”

will discuss her book about the true story of an

11-year-old panhandler, a busy sales executive,

and an unlikely meeting with destiny.

Date: October 7

Event: Lit Fest Highlight: Laura Schroff

Place: Bernardine Lecture Hall

Time: 6:30 p.m.

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Phyllis KornfeldPhyllis Kornfeld, author of “Cellblock Visions: Prison Art in America,” has been conduct-

ing visual arts programs with incarcerated men and women for 25 years – from county jail

to death row – in 18 institutions in seven states.

Date: October 10

Event: Lit Fest Highlight: Phyllis Kornfeld

Place: Franco Library

Time: 1 p.m.

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Saturday, October 5

The Pagoda Writer’s Club pres-

ents an interactive workshop,

Paris at the Pagoda, with featured

speakers Dr. Harry Serio and Betsy

Chapman. (The Reading Pagoda,

1 p.m.)

Monday, October 7

Laura Schroff will discuss her

book, “An Invisible Thread,”

the true story of an 11-year-old

panhandler, a busy sales execu-

tive, and an unlikely meeting with

destiny. (Bernardine Lecture Hall,

6:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, October 8

Dr. Bongrae Seok, associate pro-

fessor of philosophy at Alvernia

University, will lecture on the

body and its amazing contribu-

tion to the moral mind as featured

in his book “Embodied Moral Psy-

chology & Confucian Philosophy.”

(Franco Library, 1 p.m.)

Wednesday, October 9

Kyla Lacey, slam poet, who in-

fuses comedy into her showcase

of her real-life situations will per-

form. (Crusader Cafe, 7 p.m.)

Thursday, October 10

Phyllis Kornfeld, author of

“Cellblock Visions: Prison Art in

America,” has been conducting

visual arts programs with incar-

cerated men and women for 25

years – from county jail to death

row – in 18 institutions in seven

states. (Franco Library,

1 p.m.)

Tuesday, October 15

Co-authors of the play “Trumbo,”

Chuck Gallagher and Kirk

Lawrence-Howard will present

their show based on the blacklist-

ed screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.

(Bernardine Lecture Hall, 1 p.m.)

Calendar of EventsOctober 5-25, 2013

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Berks County native Chip Kidd will

talk about his life as a graphic de-

signer, including his classic creation

for the “Jurassic Park” movie poster.

(Bernardine Lecture Hall, 2 p.m.)

Friday, October 18

Original readings and acts will be

presented during the monthly meet-

ing of the AU Writers’ Series, hosted

by Dr. Tom Bierowski, associate

professor of English at Alvernia

University. (Franco Library, 2 p.m.)

Monday, October 21

Somali “land pirates” kidnap victim

Jessica Buchanan and her husband,

Erik Landemalm, discuss her

kidnapping and rescue as a defi ning

spiritual experience as told in her

book “Impossible Odds.” (McGlinn

Center, 6:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, October 22

Local outdoor writer Bob

Ballantyne will give a presentation

on his book “Woodlands Water-

ways.” (Franco Library, 6 p.m.)


Join students, faculty and staff for

the annual Inter-College Poetry

Contest at Alvernia University,

hosted by Dr. Richard Law, associ-

ate professor of English at Alvernia

University. (Franco Library, 2 p.m.)

Thursday, October 24

Award-winning author Gale Martin

will be making an appearance to

discuss her witty women’s fi ction

book “Grace Unexpected.” (Franco

Library, 1 p.m.)

Friday, October 25

Alvernia’s 4th Annual Masquerade

Bash includes food, a costume con-

test and prizes as well as an Alumni

VIP lounge. (Crusader Café, 7 p.m.)

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Chip KiddNationally recognized designer/author and

Berks County native Chip Kidd will talk about

his life as a graphic designer, including his

classic creation for the “Jurassic Park” movie

poster. His book cover designs helped create

a revolution in the art of American book

packaging. He is the recipient of the National

Design Award for Communications, as well as

the Use of Photography in Design award from

the International Center of Photography.

Date: October 16

Event: Lit Fest Highlight: Chip Kidd

Place: Bernardine Lecture Hall

Time: 2 p.m.

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Date: October 21

Event: Lit Fest Highlight: Jessica Buchanan and Eric Landemalm

Place: McGlinn Conference Center

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Jessica Buchanan, kidnapped by Somali “land pirates” in

2011, will be joined by her husband Erik Landemalm to discuss

the kidnapping, captivity, and rescue at the hands of Navy SEAL

Team Six as documented in Buchanan’s book “Impossible Odds.”

In recent months, Buchanan has appeared on 60 Minutes, The

Today Show, Dr. Phil, Fox News, NPR and the Colbert Report

among other national and international media outlets.

Jessica Buchanan & Eric Landemalm

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Dr. Catherine Clifford“Vatican II and Catholic Ecumenical Engagement”

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Alvernia’s commemoration of

the 50th anniversary of the Second

Vatican Council will continue with a

lecture by Dr. Catherine Clifford from

the University of St. Paul, Ottawa.

Dr. Clifford will present the Vatican

II Series second lecture “Vatican II

and Catholic Ecumenical Engage-

ment,” addressing the impact of the

council on dialogue among Christian

churches. Dr. Clifford will speak

to the idea that restoration of full,

visible communion between the

churches was one of the principal

aims of the Second Vatican Council.

Dr. Clifford is a professor of system-

atic and historical theology, and is

the founding director of the Research

Center on Vatican II and 21st Century

Catholicism. Her scholarly work is

centered on topics in ecclesiology

and interchurch dialogue.

Next spring, a panel of those who

entered adulthood in the years of the

council and immediately following

will present their stories about the

council opening opportunities and

a call for lay ministry in the church.

Panel members will explain the

impact of the changes in each of their

lives.

On October 23, 2014 the series will

continue with a presentation by Dr.

Richard Gaillardetz of Boston College.

Dr. Gaillardetz will speak about the

theology of baptism, as shaped in the

council.

The series continues in the spring

of 2015 with Dr. Massimo Faggioli

from the University of St. Thomas,

who will address the issues of inter-

preting Gaudium et Spes, one of the

council’s most important apostolic

constitutions. Concluding in fall,

2015 the lecture series will feature a

presentation by Dr. Angela Camara

of Seton Hall University, who will ex-

plain a half-century of work based on

the council’s declaration of religious

liberty.

Dr. Catherine Clifford

Date: October 29

Event: Vatican II Lecture:

Dr. Catherine Clifford


Time: 7 p.m.

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Batdorf Lecture Spring 2014

The annual Batdorf Lecture, supported by the Berks Bar Association, promotes dialogue on

contemporary ethical issues, important for both students and the local community. More details

about the 2014 Batdorf Lecture will be available online at alvernia.edu/arts-culture.

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The Alvernia Seniors College offers

senior citizens (age 55 and over) the

opportunity for lifelong learning.

Alvernia University sponsors this

program as part of its mission to be of

service to the community.

Each year, three semesters of Seniors

College classes offer approximately

20-25 courses each session, running

the gamut from computer classes to

English literature. Visit Alvernia.edu/

academics/seniorscollege for an over-

view of our current offerings.

Contact Sally Reading at 610-796-

8357 or [email protected] for

registration information.

Seniors College


Each spring, Alvernia hosts a

Hesburgh Lecture that both embodies

the university’s core values and brings

attention to topics that are relevant to

today’s local and global communities.

Drawing on years of work in Latin

America, particularly along the U.S-

Mexico border, Daniel Groody, CSC,

Ph.D., has authored various books

and articles that have been translated

into six languages, including “Border

of Death,” “Valley of Life: An Im-

migrant Journey of Heart and Spirit,

and Globalization, Spirituality,” and

“Justice: Navigating the Path to Peace.”

As a Catholic priest, a Holy Cross

religious, a scholar, and an award-

winning teacher, author, and film

producer, Groody has worked with the

U.S. Congress, the U.S. Conference of

Catholic Bishops, the World Council of

Churches, and the Vatican on issues of

theology, globalization, and immigra-

tion. He is an associate professor of

theology and the director of the Cen-

ter for Latino Spirituality and Culture

at the University of Notre Dame.

Since 1986, the Hesburgh Lecture

Series has brought a taste of Notre

Dame’s academic excellence to

Alvernia’s campus courtesy of the

Notre Dame Club of Reading, which

supports the event. The lectures

perpetuate the example of President

Emeritus Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh

as a lifelong learner, and further the

Alumni Association mission by provid-

ing meaningful opportunities to Notre

Dame alumni, parents, and friends.

Hesburgh lectures are presented

by Notre Dame faculty members on

topics related to art/architecture,

business, communications, con-

temporary social issues, economics,

environment, ethics, government,

history, law, social concerns, and

many more. Annually, almost 5,000

alumni, parents, and friends attend a

Hesburgh Lecture.

Hesburgh Lecture

Date: March 26, 2014

Event: Hesburgh Lecture: Rev. Daniel Groody


Time: 7 p.m.

Rev. Daniel Groody

“Dying to Live: Theological Perspectives

on Undocumented Migration”

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BALL IN THE HOUSE

September 22, 4 p.m.

Francis Hall Amphitheatre

The fi ve-member vocal band, Ball in the House, brilliantly

blends a wide range of infl uences, from classic R&B to

pop, hip-hop and gospel. This Boston-based indie band

has performed with such artists as The Temptations,

Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, The Jonas Brothers and

The Beach Boys to name a few. Bring your lawn chair

and join us!

CORE ENSEMBLE, “Los Valientes”

October 13, 4 p.m.

Francis Hall Theater & Recital Hall

Created by the acclaimed chamber music theatre group

The Core Ensemble, “Los Valientes” is a production for a

chamber music trio and solo actor that explores the art

and politics of Diego Rivera, the unwavering commit-

ment to human rights of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar

Romero, and the social justice of Mexican-American

desperado Joaquin Murrieta, aka Zorro.

Performing Arts Series

The arts are alive at Alvernia with fi ve major events

scheduled for 2013-14. Visit Alvernia.edu/arts-culture

for details and ticket information.

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An Evening with DEANNA REUBEN

November 24, 7 p.m.


Join international recording artist Deanna Reuben ’79

as she performs a very special holiday concert. As one of

the fi nest interpreters of the Great American Songbook

working today, Reuben has shared the stage with artists

such as Marvin Hamlisch, Yo Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman,

and performed in venues such as The Kennedy Center,

Carnegie Hall and the Mann Center.


Calendar of Events2013 - 2014

JONATHAN CARNEY, Violinist

January 19, 2014, 4 p.m.


Mr. Carney takes the stage in a recital that will feature

favorite works by Brahms, the Strauss sonata for violin and

more. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Carney served

as concertmaster of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

in London and currently serves as concertmaster for the

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

THE LOMAX PROJECT

Friday, February 21

7:30 p.m.


Juno Award-winning banjo player Jayme Stone brings

to stage a performance inspired by the legacy of famed

folklorist and fi eld recording pioneer Alan Lomax.

Joining Stone will be Bruce Molsky (vocals, fi ddle),

Julian Lage (guitar), Margaret Glaspy (vocals, guitar).

Miller GalleryLocated in historic Francis Hall, the Miller Gallery houses

artwork by local artists and works created by current

Alvernia students and faculty. An ongoing partnership

with the Reading Public Museum also brings major works

to the gallery. For information on the latest exhibits, visit

alvernia.edu/arts-culture/miller_gallery.

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Contact Us:1-888-ALVERNIA (1-888-258-3764)

www.alvernia.edu/arts-culture

400 Saint Bernardine St.Reading, PA 19607

Connect with us on Facebook:Alvernia University

Follow us on Twitter:AlverniaUniv


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Alvernia Lecture Series · Alvernia Lecture Series Expand your mind with inspirational, thought-provoking lectures at Alvernia University ... Laura Schroff 8 Phyllis Kornfeld 9 Literary