A faculty symposium in honor of Chaplain Brian Johnson will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12 in the Melva Lind Interpretive Center. The event will be a celebration of Johnson’s contributions to the intellectual life of Gustavus during his 15-year tenure at the College as he prepares for new challenges in his new position at Valparaiso University next fall.
The topic of the symposium will be “Coincidentia Oppositorum,” the phrase coined by the Renaissance mathematician Nicholas of Cusa to describe the ultimate reality that is reached when opposites come together. Part of Chaplain Johnson’s gift to Gustavus has been his skill at integrating liturgy and creativity, Christianity and diversity, and spirituality and the life of the mind.
Six faculty members from across different disciplines will be giving a series of short talks at the symposium. Speakers include Bruce McClain (art and art history), Mary Gaebler (religion), Doug Huff (philosophy), Will Freiert (classics), Joyce Sutphen (English), and Steve Mellema (physics). Florence Amamoto (English) will be giving the vote of thanks.
This event is open to faculty and staff at the College. Wines, cheeses, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. For more information about this event, contact Associate Professor of Classics Eric Dugdale at edugdale@gustavus.edu or 507-933-7161.
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