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Past Virtual Events
Below are recordings from virtual events hosted by Principia Alumni & Field Relations. For more information on upcoming events, visit principia.edu/events.
Spiritual Academics
Dr. Laurance Doyle (HON’17)
January 6, 2022
Principia Alumni & Field Relations presents a special webinar on Spiritual Academics with Dr. Laurance Doyle (HON'17). Dr. Doyle shared insights into academics with a spiritual perspective for learners of all ages.
“Joy to the World!” Christmas Concert
December 16, 2021
Take in the sweet sounds of the season with performances by Principia students—Preschool through College—and alumni! Special alumni performers are: Peter B. Allen (US’77, C’81), Emily Ellet (C’08), Leticia Filizzola (C’14), Chuck Mitchell (C’58), Lisa Redfern (US’82, C’86), and Tobin Sparfeld (US’96, C’00).
Road to Nationals: Principia College Thunder Chickens
Gold & Blue All-American Series
November 23, 2021
Cultures of Gratitude: More Than 400 Years of Giving Thanks
Dr. Kate Swanson
November 16, 2021
Principia Alumni & Field Relations presents a special talk with Principia College associate professor of history, Dr. Kate Swanson. Dig into the history of Thanksgiving with a specific focus on the Pilgrim-Wampanoag gathering and the roles of these two different cultures. Both had a long tradition of giving thanks, and this gathering has captured the public imagination of a merging of these traditions.
Summer Session 2021
June Book Talk on This Tender Land
Linda Conradi (C’65)
June 29, 2021
Principia Lifelong Learning presents the June Book Club pick This Tender Land by William Kent Kruger. Enjoy the recording the book talk by Lifelong Learning faculty member, Linda Conradi as she shares about the incredible journey of four orphans during the Great Depression.
Summer Session 2021
Dwelling in “The House of the Lord”
Dr. Barry Huff (US'98, C'02)
June 22, 2021
Summer Session 2021 presents "Dwelling in 'the House of the Lord'" (Ps 23:6) with Dr. Barry Huff (US'98, C'02). In this talk, Dr. Huff used photos from Jerusalem to illustrate the Temple’s theological significance and then explored how biblical authors responded to the destructions of Solomon’s Temple and Herod’s Temple by portraying God’s presence, home, and holiness extending far beyond temple walls. Here is Dr. Huff's handout.
Summer Session 2021
The Gospel of Thomas and The Bible: Why It Matters to Christian Scientists Part Two
Dr. Shirley Paulson (US’66, C’70)
June 17, 2021
Principia Lifelong Learning Presents the recording of: The Gospel of Thomas and The Bible: Why It Matters to Christian Scientists Part Two. The Gospel of Thomas comes to modern Christians cloaked in controversy over its relationship to the Bible. It is so similar in some ways, but it hints at a kind of spirituality that alarms those who think it might be a ‘gnostic’ text. Dr. Shirley Paulson (US’66, C’70) takes a closer look at a bit of the content of the book and consider some of the gnostic accusations in the context of Christian Science. Click here for the slides from the presentation.
Summer Session 2021
Around This Day In...
Rich Waller (C’76)
June 15, 2021
Summer Session 2021 Presents "Summer Session 2021: Around This Day In..." with Rich Waller (C'76). Principia Upper School Teacher Rich Waller took us on a journal on the significant historical events that happened on and around June 15. From the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 to U.S. troops storming the beaches in Saipan in 1944 to several others in between, June is full of notable events that shaped history.
Summer Session 2021
"Ode to Joy:" Calling All The People Part Two
Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish
June 13, 2021
Summer Session 2021 Presents: "Ode to Joy:" Calling All The People Part Two with Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish (HON'13). In these famous words quoted in Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” (Symphony No.9), we commemorate one of the greatest composers of all time, Ludwig van Beethoven. Paying tribute to the great master, Dr. Jureit-Beamish brings to life Beethoven’s triumphant message that celebrates the power of joy. More than 250 years later, concert goers around the world continue to join together to feel the power, exuberance, and joy of Beethoven’s music that transcends time and binds us together in our common humanity. Throughout his life living as a musician in Bonn and Vienna, Beethoven was constantly confronted with obstacles to his composing—whether it be Napoleon’s cruel invasion of Vienna; surviving as a freelance musician carving his own path in music; or deafness, the greatest challenge of all for a musician. Beethoven's music reveals his enormous personal strength and the power of it to transform, uplift, and inspire all of us to attain higher levels in our own ability to stand up to challenges—with the promise of triumph and victory. This talk begins with the moment that an unruly Beethoven storms Vienna in the 1790s with his extraordinary magical powers as a pianist, overwhelming audiences with his fiery expression and unprecedented power. Special bonus performances of Beethoven included with this talk include high school pianist Braeden Shizume performing the Pathétique Sonata, and Principia’s own internationally acclaimed concert artist Lindsay Garritson (C’08) performing the exquisite Piano Sonata in F Sharp Major, Op. 78. Dr. Jureit-Beamish concludes the talk with a rousing improvisation on Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”
Summer Session 2021
Van Gogh and Gauguin
Susie Ledbetter
June 10, 2021
Principia Lifelong Learning presents the recording of "Van Gogh and Gauguin" with Susie Ledbetter (C'70). The story of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin—their admiration for each other’s work, their friendship and rivalry, and their collaboration in Arles which lasted from October to December 1888—is one of the most dramatic in the history of modern art. An acclaimed special exhibition organized by the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam and the Art Institute of Chicago enables us to explore in detail the relationship between these two artists in the context of their lives and work. Click here to read the Van Gogh and Gauguin’s letters.
Summer Session 2021
The Gospel of Thomas and The Bible: The “Marvelous Coincident”
Dr. Shirley Paulson
June 8, 2021
Principia Lifelong Learning presents the recording of: The Gospel of Thomas and The Bible: The “Marvelous Coincident”. The Gospel of Thomas lies in an intriguing location in Biblical history and contemporary significance for Christian Scientists. Mrs. Eddy had a surprisingly meaningful relationship to it, even though the full text of the Gospel of Thomas wasn’t even discovered until 1945—some 35 years after her passing. Dr. Paulson shares about what’s in this ancient text and why it mattered to Mrs. Eddy. Click here to view the slides from the presentation.
A Celebration of Love
Dr. Ashley Garritson Gelber, Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish, and Dr. Lindsay Garritson
May 11, 2021
Enjoy an uplifting and inspiring musical event including music by Bach, Mendelssohn, and Rachmaninov on cello and piano, with inspirational readings on Love. With performances by Dr. Ashley Garritson Gelber (US'99), Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish (HON'14), and Dr. Lindsay Garritson (C'08). Click here for the program.
The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and da Vinci's Italy Book Talk
Linda Conradi (C’65)
April 28, 2021
Enjoy the recording of our April Book Club talk with Principia Lifelong Learning faculty member Linda Conradi (C’65) on The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and da Vinci's Italy by Laura Morelli.
Intellectual Property 101
Principia College's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
April 26, 2021
Unfamiliar with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets? In celebration of World Intellectual Property Day, Principia College's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosted a webinar with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
In this recording you will learn from a USPTO expert about intellectual property (IP) basics and potential ways to protect your innovation—from idea to product. Regardless of whether you see yourself as a professional photographer, future bestselling author, upcoming engineering/chemist inventor, or dream about innovating as an entrepreneur, this webinar will provide information on various types of intellectual property—patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets—and answer questions about protecting your IP.
Teaching the Bible and Spiritual Concepts to Young Children
Dorothy Halverson
April 20, 2021
View the recording of a virtual workshop given by Principia Early Childhood Principal Dorothy Halverson. Explore how to help young children learn spiritual concepts and Bible stories. Concrete examples will be shared, and links to materials for completing some of the activities will be provided. The activities are geared toward two- to seven-year-olds. This virtual workshop is great for parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and friends. Click here to view the resource materials for the talk.
His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope Book Talk
Dr. John Glen
March 30, 2021
This book talk by given by former Principia College history professor, Dr. John Glen on the New York Times bestseller His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope by Jon Meacham. John Lewis marched in Selma, AL, at age 25 and was known as a visionary and a man of faith. Join Dr. John Glen for a book talk on Jon Meacham's tender portrait of Lewis’ engagement with the struggle for civil rights, the centrality of his Christian faith, and its imperatives for good work.
“Ode to Joy” – a Celebration of Beethoven – Part One
Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish
March 25, 2021
2020 marked the landmark celebration of one of the world’s greatest composers of all time—Ludwig van Beethoven. 250 years after his birth, concertgoers—and even those with little knowledge of classical music—join together to feel the stirring power, exuberance, and joy of his music. It continues to transcend time and bind humanity together.
This event is Part One of a musical series on Beethoven. Get ready to celebrate and be inspired as Principia College professor emerita of music, Dr. Jureit-Beamish (HON’14), performs and discusses some of the grandest music the world has ever known.
Finding Examples of Moral Courage in the Holocaust
Dr. Gretchen Starr-LeBeau
March 11, 2021
The Holocaust was an example of great evil, with many instances of moral idiocy. Yet a few people managed to act with great moral courage in spite of the risks, and in some cases at great personal cost. This talk given by Principia College religion professor, Dr. Gretchen Starr-LeBeau, reviews some examples of morally courageous individuals from World War II and the Holocaust. Dr. Starr-LeBeau draws lessons for us today about how to live a life of moral courage wherever we are.
21st Monitor Night Live
February 25, 2021
21 in ’21: Does a pandemic define a generation? Principia College President John Williams was joined in a conversation with The Christian Science Monitor Editor Mark Sappenfield and correspondents Ryan Brown, Scott Peterson, and Ann Scott Tyson. This year’s Monitor Night Live theme focused on the Monitor's global report 21 in ’21. The series follows a dozen 21-year-olds from around the world and the challenges they face navigating the pandemic and holding onto hope for their futures. During this event, we shared a special tribute video on the history of Monitor Night Live, started in 1997 by former Monitor correspondent and Principia College president Dr. George Moffett (C’65) and its impact on the Principia community.
A Gentleman in Moscow February Book Talk
April Austin (C’84)
February 23, 2021
Enjoy a recording of the February book talk and discussion on the New York Times Bestseller A Gentleman in Moscow, with April Austin (C’84), books editor and deputy editor of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly. April began the event by sharing insights into how the Monitor selects books and the process for reviewing them.
Sucess Through Failure: Tools of Greatness
Lewis Howes (US'01, C'05)
February 18, 2021
Enjoy a conversation between lifestyle entrepreneur Lewis Howes (US’01, C’05) and Director of the Principia College Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Lucia De Paz (US’96, C’00) about the relevance of failure to achieving success. Entrepreneurs are well aware of the “fail fast, fail often” mentality, but what does that look like in real life? Lewis shared his journey and explained the significant role that obstacles play in achieving greatness.
Brexit Endgame and the Future of UK-EU Relations
Dr. Brian Roberts (C’88)
February 9, 2021
This talk by Principia College political science professor, Dr. Brian Roberts, examines the terms of the withdrawal, particularly the recently negotiated UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. It also analyzes the future of the relationship between the UK and the EU on multiple levels, including the impact on UK and EU nationals.
This talk relates to the August 2021 Principia Lifelong Learning trip, "Summer Sailing: The Rhône and Saône." Dr. Roberts will be attending this trip as an onboard lecturer. A brief overview of the trip follows the talk. Click here to learn more about the trip.
Mother Goose is Loose with Dorothy Halverson
February 6
Dorothy Halverson (C’85), Principia Early Childhood Principal, leads fun activities, stories, singing, and more! This virtual playdate is designed especially for young families! Click here to download a coloring activity page.
How I Built This Virtual Book Talk
Dr. Peter Dry and Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin (C’07)
January 26
How do entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality? Hear Dr. Peter Dry explore their tips and stories, and learn about the journey of successful entrepreneur Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin (C’07) in this recording of January’s book talk.
Virtual Christmas Sing
December 2020
Principia alumni and friends from around the world joined in a caroling party hosted by Principia Clubs. Watch the recording to sing favorite Christmas carols, celebrate the season, and jingle all the way!
“Sing Ye Joyous Children Sing” Christmas Concert
December 17, 2020
Take in the sweet sounds of the season with performances by Principia students—Preschool through College—and alumni including Larry Groce (C'70), Josh Henn (US'95, C'01), Dan Loomis (US'98), Lily Oyer (US'16, C'20), and Stephanie Trick (US'05).
The Dutch House Virtual Book Talk
Linda Conradi (C’65)
November 30
Linda Conradi (C’64) leads a discussion on the 2020 finalist in fiction for the Pulitzer Prize, The Dutch House. The talk was followed by breakout rooms, but this recording is just of the talk.
The State of Democracy in the World
Dr. Sarah Andrews
November 17
Enjoy this talk by assistant professor of Global Studies, Dr. Sarah Andrews (US’03, C’07), which addressed the state of democracy in the world.
Massive protests in places such as Hong Kong and Hungary are making headlines and illustrate both threats to democracy and popular demand for democracy. This talk will looked globally at places where democracy is progressing and places where it is backsliding. Dr. Andrews presented trends and offer some explanations for those trends.
Principia Virtual Book Club The Boys in the Boat
College Athletics Director Ann Pierson
October 27
Principia College Athletics Director Ann Pierson gave a book talk of this irresistible #1 New York Times bestseller The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. Ann Pierson led us through the epic journey of these 9 incredible men and their quest for gold in 1936, beating the odds, and finding hope in the most desperate of times.
Principia Homecoming 2020: Alumni Concert
October 16
Our Homecoming Alumni Concert includes a wide variety of musical genres performed by alumni and current College students. Enjoy a mix of traditional, classical, singer-songwriter, and pop, as well as a special feature performance honoring beloved professor emeritus, Dr. Robert “Rocky” Rockabrand (C'53).
Principia Virtual Book Club Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace
Dr. John Glen
September 28
Former Principia College history professor Dr. John Glen gave a book talk on New York Times bestseller, Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace. Dr. Glen took us through Chris Wallace’s day by day account of the 116 days between the death of President Franklin Roosevelt in mid-April, 1945, until the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945, effectively ending World War Two.
Biblical Messages of Inclusion and God’s Infinite Embrace
Dr. Barry Huff
September 22
Enjoy this talk by Dr. Barry Huff, “Biblical Messages of Inclusion and God’s Infinite Embrace.” After the Babylonian exile, some leaders excluded those they deemed “other” from the Jerusalem community, but the Jewish authors of Ruth, Jonah, Job, and Isaiah 56–66 boldly portrayed foreigners’ devotion to God and God’s embrace of all people. These postexilic biblical texts laid the foundation for messages of inclusion that also appear in the opening and closing chapters of the New Testament, the parables of Jesus, and the letters of Paul. Click here for a handout of resources from the talk.
Faith in Action: Praying about Racism
Have you ever thought about praying about racism? Can you pray about it? Alumni and friends joined the conversation with two Principia College alumni and faculty members, Winnie Hinchman Needham (US’88, C’92) and Dr. Billy Miller (C’72). This live, online event was hosted by Principia College as part of its Faith in Action series and held on Thursday, September 10.
Principia Virtual Book Club with Linda Conradi
Enjoy this book talk by Linda Conradi about The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. Dive into its dramatic and hopeful story of three young women searching for family amid the destruction of the post–Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who learns of their story and its vital connection to her students' lives. Click here for further resource recommendations from the discussion leader.
Race and Faith with Dr. Brian Blount
Listen to our conversation with Dr. Brian Blount, president and professor of New Testament at Union Presbyterian Seminary. Dr. Blount’s scholarship focuses primarily on the Gospel of Mark and the Book of Revelation, and in the area of cultural studies and hermeneutics. He is the author of six books, many of which contextualize the Bible in terms of the African American experience.
We are honored to have closed our Race and Faith summer series with such a profound thinker and practitioner of the faith.
This conversation was held on August 14, 2020.
A Conversation with Black American Principia Alumni
On Tuesday, August 11, we “shared the mic" with several Black American Principia alumni, who discussed topics ranging from the Black Lives Matter movement to the role of faith in addressing racism. The program began with a brief presentation by College professor Dr. Billy Miller (C’72) on the history of race in the United States. The panelists were Zekita Armstrong Asuquo (C’19), John Butler (C’87), Dr. Billy Miller (C’72), Dr. Trudy Palmer (US’72), and Dorian Watkins (US’11, C’15). The talk was moderated by Principia College President John Williams.
Click here for more resources recommended by the panelists.
Engaging Community with Rev. Traci Blackmon
Rev. Traci Blackmon was our second speaker in this summer's Race and Faith series at Principia. She was our guest on Friday, July 17, 2020.
A book talk on One Summer: America 1927 by Bill Bryson, given by former Principia College professor Dr. John Glen
A Talk by Dr. Art McCoy—part of the College's Race and Faith series
The first talk in the series, given on Friday, June 19, 2020.
A Conversation with the Apostle Paul by Dr. Barry Huff
This is a recording of a talk given by Principia College associate professor of religious studies, Dr. Barry Huff, "A Conversation with the Apostle Paul." Calvin Rotzel has observed that reading Paul’s letters is like listening in to only one side of a phone conversation. In this talk, Barry will give you a taste of what the other side might have sounded like by playing the role of Paul in a radio talk show in which callers will voice the issues to which Paul was likely to be responding to in his letters. Click here for the link to the handout from the talk.
Principia Virtual Book Club with Linda Conradi
This is a recording of the book talk by Linda Conradi on the book *Where the Crawdad Sings* by Delia Owens. Join us as we take a deep dive into the themes and relationships that took place in the book.
Biblical Inspiration for Exiles and Our World Today: Psalms and Job, Part 2 of 2, May 19, 2020
This recording is part 2 in a two-part webinar series “Biblical Inspiration for Exiles and Our World Today” with Dr. Barry Huff. Part 2 is focused on Psalms and Job and features Psalms’ proclamations of God as a refuge and king, the journey from lament to praise in lament psalms and the Psalter, Job’s resilience through suffering and loss, and his discovery of God’s expansive embrace of the marginalized. This recording will be up for at least the next month. Click here for the PDF of the slides from Dr. Huff’s talk.
Biblical Inspiration for Exiles and Our World Today: Genesis and the Prophets, Part 1 of 2, May 14, 2020
This recording is part 1 in a two-part webinar series “Biblical Inspiration for Exiles and Our World Today” with Dr. Barry Huff. Part 1 is focused on Genesis and the Prophets and explores biblical authors’ inspiring responses to the crisis of the Babylonian exile and the healing relevance of their messages to our world today. This recording will be up for at least the next month. Click here for the PDF of the slides from Dr. Huff’s talk.
Principia Alumni Virtual Concert, May 6, 2020
Please enjoy our the full replay of our Alumni Online Concert on our YouTube channel.
This special online concert presented by the Principia College Music Department showcases Principia alumni who have gone on to become independent and professional musicians. It features a wide variety of musical genres, including traditional and contemporary jazz, classical, singer-songwriter, Broadway, pop, and more.