Sixteen faculty and staff members participated in a new seminar on the historical tradition of the liberal arts from the ancient Greeks to the twentieth century.

The 2006 seminar was led by Bruce Kimball, Professor of Educational Leadership at Rochester University’s Warner Graduate School of Education.

Kimball is the author of several books and has edited collections of essays on liberal theology and undergraduate teaching.

His first book, Orators and Philosophers: A History of the Idea of Liberal Education (1986, 1987, 1995) was awarded the Frederic W. Ness Prize by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. He is now writing a documentary history of liberal education and a biography of Christopher Langdell and the inception of modern professional education.

Everyone who participated said they left the seminar with a greater knowledge and insight into what is meant by the liberal arts, and all gave Kimball rave reviews as a presenter.

“Bruce was very informative, dynamic, downright funny, and did a great job of probing us with questions to get us to think further and dig deeper,” said Brad Ellis (Modern Foreign Languages).

Laurie MacDiarmid (English) found that her original idea about the meaning and implication of the liberal arts changed quite a bit after participating in this seminar.

“I also loved being a student again, and forming part of a learning community with colleagues from all over the College. We should have more opportunities such as this.”

The class also included Don Abel (Philosophy), Cindi Barnett (Student Life), Linda Beane Katner (Modern Foreign Languages), Sr. Sally Ann Brickner (Peace and Justice), Howard Ebert (Humanities and Fine Arts), Deirdre Egan (English), Mark Jones (College Advancement), Linda Klein Cook (Music), Bob Kramer (History), Yoko Mogi-Hein (Education), John Neary (English), Jeff Ritter (Business Administration), Stephen Rupsch (Communication) and Victoria Tashjian (History).

May 21-25, 2006
St. Norbert College campus

Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Mission and Heritage, with support from the Office of Faith, Learning & Vocation

For more information, contact:

Julie Friedman
(920) 403-3049
julie.friedman@snc.edu