Past Event Recordings 2020-2023
Below are recordings from virtual events hosted by Principia Alumni & Field Relations. For more information on upcoming events, visit principia.edu/events.
For more recent virtual events, visit our 2024 Virtual Events page.
Merry & Bright Christmas Concert
December 21, 2023
This special event features current students—Preschool through College—as well as alumni, including Ian Case (C’04), Dr. Wendy Hymes (US’90, C’94), Dr. Fred Onovwerosuoke (C'91), Dr. Anna Thornton (US’98, C’02), Brian Ward (US'09), and Vernon West (C'15).
Principia Forward: AI & Technology
November 15, 2023
Technological advances and the rapidly accelerating integration of artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the educational landscape. Learn how Principia educators are thinking, adapting, and leaning forward as they teach and prepare students to learn and thrive.
Monitor Night Live: Bridging the Divide in a Divided World
October 12, 2023
Virtual Livestream
Join Principia College President Dr. Daniel Norton in a conversation about civility, perspective, and respect at the 22nd Monitor Night Live. "Bridging the Divide in a Divided World" features Christian Science Monitor Managing Editor Amelia Newcomb and Monitor correspondents Sophie Hills (C’22), Stephen Humphries, and Ira Porter.
Principia Forward: Campus Updates
September 12, 2023
Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell, Head of School Dr. Merry Sorrells, and new College President Dr. Daniel Norton will address timely topics facing the School and College in this first event in our webinar series, Principia Forward: An Inside View for Alumni and Friends.
June Book Club: West with Giraffes
June 27, 2023
Start your summer with a good read and a book talk hosted by Linda Conradi (C’65).
Honoring Two Super Heroes of International Student Support
June 18, 2023
Hear Duyen Van Do (C'99) recount the impact that Hank (US'41, JC'43) and Margie (Day, US'38) Hamlin had on his life and talk about the importance of continued support for international students at Principia.
Straight Talk: from Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell
May 25, 2023
Principia's effort to build a greater sense of unity and open communication with our global Principia family continued with an update from Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell.
I Will Not Fear: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine with Melba Pattillo Beals
April 27, 2023
Melba Pattillo Beals made history as a member of the Little Rock Nine, the nine African American students involved in the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Hear about her unforgettable journey through terror and persecution and the faith needed to survive.
Coaches’ Corner: Striving for the Big Show
April 23, 2023
The Thunder Chickens’ Coaches’ Corner webinar series continued with reflections from players and coaches of their first D1 season.
Coaches’ Corner: Need for Speed
March 26, 2023
Hear from the top speed athletes on Principia’s Thunder Chickens rugby team. These “outside backs” reflect on the 7s season to date and look ahead to what it will take to qualify for 7s Nationals.
Straight Talk: Principia Roundtables
March 7, 2023
Straight Talk: Principia Roundtables 2023 continues with an update from Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell and School and College Leadership.
Principia College Faith in Action: Travis Thomas (C’95)
March 3, 2023
Enjoy the recording from Principia College’s Faith in Action series with improvisational speaker and trainer Travis Thomas (C’95). Travis worked with the US Men's National Soccer Team as a Leadership and Team Dynamics Coach and was with them at the recent World Cup in Qatar. He has also worked with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and others. Travis spoke on how spirituality helps us perform our best, and on how a winning mindset is rooted in faith.
February Book Talk: The One-in-a-Million Boy
Linda Conradi
February 27, 2023
Enjoy the recording of the February Book Club talk with Linda Conradi (C’65). The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood is the incandescent story of a 104- year-old Lithuanian immigrant woman and a sweet, strange 11-year-old boy obsessed with Guinness world records. It is a story of loss, redemption, and the astonishing connections that happen between people in the least likely circumstances.
Catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement
February 23, 2023
The murder of Emmett Till in the summer of 1955 put racial violence and injustice in the national spotlight and served as a spark in the Civil Rights movement. Have we made progress? Has the promise of equality been delivered? Where do we go next?
Panelists: John Butler (C’87), Former NFL professional athlete, businessman, Brian Latson (C’84), Retired sergeant, Boston Police Department, Dr. Steven Savides (C’95), Mass communication professor, Principia College, Dr. Jennifer Stollman, World-renowned equity consultant specializing in building and sustaining inclusive workplaces, educational spaces, and communities. Moderated by John Williams, JD (C’76), President, Principia College.
Merry & Bright Christmas Concert
December 15, 2022
Take in the sweet sounds of the season with performances by Principia students—Preschool through College—and special alumni performances by George Clements (C’08), Tim Drysdale (C’12), Tessa (Bray) Frost (C’02) & Jay Frost, Ashley Garritson (US’99) & Marie Juriet-Beamish (HON’14), Rebecca Minor (C’03), and Lily Oyer (US’16, C’20).
Mississippi River Tales
Dr. John Glen
November 28, 2022
In advance of Principia’s Lifelong Learning trip, Charms of the South, former Principia College history professor Dr. John Glen talked about the Mississippi River and shared some of the monographs he has been examining, especially Mark Twain’s 1883 memoir, Life on the Mississippi.
The Earth is the Lord’s (Ps 24:1): Biblical Perspectives on Intersectional Sustainability
Dr. Barry Huff
November 22, 2022
As part of this year’s International Perspectives Conference on sustainability, Dr. Barry Huff provided a spiritual perspective on the topic.
The Art of Tea: A Window into Japan's Cultures and Traditions
Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish
November 17, 2022
Ahead of her April 2023 Principia Lifelong Learning trip to Japan, Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish (HON'14) invited viewers to get a glimpse into one of the most paradoxical and unique countries in the world, steeped deeply in highly protected traditions, religion, history, and culture.
Straight Talk with Principia Chief Executive
Barbara Blackwell
November 3, 2022
As part of Principia's efforts to build a greater sense of unity and open communication with our global Principia family, our Straight Talk: Principia 2022 Roundtables series continued with a Principia update and Q&A with Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell and members of the senior leadership team.
Previewing the 2022 U.S. Midterm Elections
Dr. Brian Roberts (C’88)
November 1, 2022
Usually, the president’s party does not fare well in U.S. midterm elections, but a variety of factors suggest 2022 may not be a “typical” election. Principia College Political Science Professor Dr. Brian Roberts (C’88) provided analysis of current and historical indicators to help us better understand the unique dynamics of this year’s midterms.
July Book Talk: The Splendid and the Vile
Linda Conradi
July 26, 2022
Enjoy the recording of the July Book Club talk with Linda Conradi (C'65). The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson shares an inspiring portrait of courage and leadership in a time of unprecedented crisis. For additional resources about the book, click here.
Straight Talk: Principia 2022 Roundtables – Student Life
April 21, 2022
As part of Principia's efforts to build a greater sense of unity and open communication with our global Principia family, our Straight Talk: Principia 2022 Roundtables series continued with a deep dive into student life and culture. College and School leaders shared updates from their respective campuses and answered your questions. Chief Advancement and Planning Officer Barbara Blackwell facilitated the webinar.
From Space to Principia
Laura Shepard Churchley (US'65, C'69) & Kevin Pratt (US’00, C’04)
April 14, 2022
Laura Shepard Churchley (US'65, C'69) recently visited space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard Rocket, named for her pioneering astronaut father, Alan Shepard. Hear what it was like growing up with such a legendary parent and about her own space experiences decades later. Special guest, Kevin Pratt (US’00, C’04), an avionics engineer at Blue Origin, joined in virtually to share his experiences working at Blue Origin.
March Book Talk: The Rose Code
Linda Conradi
March 29, 2022
Enjoy the recording of the March Book Club talk with Linda Conradi (C'65). The Rose Code by New York Times best-selling author Kate Quinn is a heart-stopping World War II story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over.
Conversations around Diversity, Equity, Mattering, and Belonging
March 22, 2022
In this webinar, Dr. Jennifer Stollman moderated a lively discussion with Kemi Awosile (C'04), Bruce Bond (HON'19), and Winnie Needham (US'88, C'92), around the fundamentals of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and mattering (DEIM&B). Learn about the work currently underway at Principia School and College for deepening understanding and building an inclusive community—for the betterment of humanity. The webinar concluded with a special interview with Dr. Billy Miller (C'72).
This webinar was made possible by a generous gift from the College 50th Reunion Classes of 1972 and 1973.
Chicago: The City of the Big Shoulders
Howie Bay (US’69, C’73)
March 17, 2022
Chicago goes by many names—Windy City, Second City, and Chi-Town to name a few. Enjoy a special talk with Howie Bay (US'69, C'73) hosted by Principia Lifelong Learning. Easily recognized for its iconic skyline, outstanding museums, and of course, Chicago-style pizza, it’s been called the quintessential American city. However, its story is not so well known. How did Chicago grow from a remote swamp into a city of epic proportions in the span of just 60 years? What series of events led to it becoming the largest grain port, meatpacking plant, and lumberyard in the world? We'll answer these questions and more as we discover what poet Carl Sandburg meant when referring to Chicago as “the City of the Big Shoulders” in his famous 1916 poem.
To learn more about the Principia Lifelong Learning trip cruising the Great Lakes visit: www.principiaalumni.org/greatlakes
Straight Talk: Principia 2022 Roundtables
March 8, 2022
This is a recording of the Straight Talk: Principia 2022 Roundtable that took place on March 8, 2022. As part of Principia's efforts to build a greater sense of unity and open communication with our global Principia family. The first phase of this initiative is a series of candid conversations with Principia Trustees Steve DeWindt (US'73, C'77) and Kristin Jamerson (US'75, C'79), and Board Chair Dr. Scott Schneberger (C'70). Chief Advancement and Planning Officer Barbara Blackwell will facilitate each session.
Invasion of Ukraine: Panel Discussion
February 28, 2022
A Principia College panel discussion on the invasion of Ukraine and what that means for the world. Discussion started with informational geographical, historical, and political background facts and important points, followed by a lively discussion regarding the complexities and consequences, and concluded with metaphysical thoughts/reflections. The panel was moderated by Principia College President John Williams alongside panelists, Dr. Sarah Andrews, Dr. Julie Blase, Toms Musts, Prof. Dinah Ryan, Steven Savides, and Dr. Peter van Lidth de Jeude.
22nd Monitor Night Live
February 24, 2022
"Can We Trust the Media? Journalism in an Unfiltered Social Media World" is the topic of this year's Monitor Night Live. The discussion will strive to enhance media literacy by delving into trust, honesty, and nuance in journalism. Join College President John Williams in a conversation with The Christian Science Monitor Editor Mark Sappenfield and correspondents Story Hinckley, Stephanie Hanes, and Noah Robertson.
A Walk in Her Shoes
Wanda Battle
February 3, 2022
Principia Lifelong Learning Presents a special event with Wanda Battle, one of several distinguished speakers on the March 2022 Principia Lifelong Learning trip, Civil Rights: a Journey to Freedom. Wanda shared about her life growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, and how she came to be involved in the civil and human rights movement.
Straight Talk: Principia 2022 Roundtables
February 1, 2022
This is a recording of the Straight Talk: Principia 2022 Roundtable that took place on February 1, 2022. As part of Principia's efforts to build a greater sense of unity and open communication with our global Principia family. The first phase of this initiative is a series of candid conversations with Principia Trustees Steve DeWindt (US'73, C'77) and Kristin Jamerson (US'75, C'79), and Board Chair Dr. Scott Schneberger (C'70). Chief Advancement and Planning Officer Barbara Blackwell will facilitate each session.
January Book Talk on Leadership in Turbulent Times
Dr. John Glen
January 30, 2022
Enjoy the recording of the January 2022 Principia book talk on Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin with former Principia College history professor Dr. John Glen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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).
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.
Dr. Sarah Andrews
November 17
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The first talk in the series, given on Friday, June 19, 2020.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.