Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA)

Values, Ideas and the Arts presentations enhance the Manchester Core program in the liberal arts through cultural exposure, artistic experience and intellectual enrichment. VIA features speakers, musicians and dramatic performers from the University community, across the country and around the globe. Manchester students earn academic credit through attendance. Members of the University community and the public are also invited to attend all VIA events. All events are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

The goals of the VIA program are to:

broaden students' cultural experiences,
enrich students intellectually and aesthetically,
provide opportunities to experience the arts,
promote dialogue about ideas and values, and
embody in its programs the values expressed in the University Mission.

Students are required to arrive on time and remain for the entire program to receive VIA credit. Events last approximately one hour unless noted otherwise.

Fall 2019

Be sure to check this schedule often for new VIA events and fuller descriptions that will be added.

Opening Convocation
Tuesday, Aug. 27
3:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Who Are Your Allies?
President Dave McFadden delves into the topic of being an ally during your time at Manchester, in whatever role you might play. He will talk to those who have had allies and what form that has taken.

Tuesday, Sept. 3
7:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Life After Drugs

A product of a one-night stand, abused in foster home after foster home, and time sleeping in parks were just a few of the daunting obstacles in Monti Washington’s journey from the streets to the stage. This interactive presentation is designed to help students gain problem-solving skills needed to be successful, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Tuesday, Sept. 10
3:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Writing the Experience of Jesus: Personality Conflicts, Inspiration, and Faith

What is it like to write Scripture? Justin Lasser (Ph.D., Union Theological Seminary) explores the phenomenology of Scripture writing. He will trace ways in which the experience of the numinous (the divine) precedes the historicization of the event in historical narrative — how experience often precedes our understanding of the event in history.

Thursday, Sept. 12
7-9:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Marx in Soho

Bob Weick brings Karl Marx to life in this political and deeply human drama written by Howard Zinn.
For more information: Caraline Feairheller

Tuesday, Sept. 17
3:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Every War Has Two Losers

Film based on the journal acclaimed poet and pacifist William Stafford, who spent World War II in a civilian service camp for conscientious objectors. Participants include Jeff Gundy and Travis Polling. Stafford challenged deeply held beliefs: Why do we believe war is inevitable? Can you win a war?
For more information: Caraline Feairheller

Constitution Day
Thursday, Sept. 19
7 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Lessons from The Federalist for Our Times

In times of political turmoil, if not constitutional crisis, Americans often return to the papers in The Federalist for perspective and guidance. Professor David Lay Williams of DePaul University will discuss the political problems outlined in The Federalist, explain how the Constitution was designed to overcome those problems, and address how the solutions are working in practice today.
For more information: Leonard Williams

Thursday, Sept. 26
7 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Violence Against Women -- It's a Men's Issue

Internationally acclaimed educator and activist Jackson Katz refuses to see domestic violence and sexual abuse as “women's issues” that “some good men help out with.” In this presentation he explains why—and how—all men can work with women as partners and allies to end gender violence and promote equality.
For more information: Katharine Ings

Homecoming 2019
Saturday, Oct. 12
7-8:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Music for Coming Home

Robert Jones and Matt Watroba present music that matters – the folk, blues, spirituals and social justice songs that shape the American experience.
For more information: Caraline Feairheller

Tuesday, Oct. 15
3:30-5 p.m.
Jo Young Switzer Center, upper level

Thinking Deeply About Healthy Masculinity

This VIA event with Pete McClean of True Forth Facilitators features an interactive conversation about the possibilities of thinking about masculinity in broader terms and the implications for all of us of thinking this way.
For more information: Jared Friessen

Monday, Oct. 28
7:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Family Fright Night

The Manchester Symphony’s opening concert of the season engages community members of all ages in live music and the spirit of Halloween. Prior to the concert featuring scary music, families may enjoy decorations made by children, food and games. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume, and there will be a costume parade for children during the concert. Pre-concert activities begin at 5 p.m.
For more information: Manchester Symphony Orchestra

United Nations Day Observance
Tuesday, Oct. 29
3:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

10 Building Blocks for Making a Difference in the World and in Your Neighborhood

John Prendergast has experience making an impact: locally through mentorship and globally through human rights campaigns in Africa. He will discuss how both those paths shaped his finding of 10 ingredients for making a difference.
For more information: Caraline Feairheller

La Vida Dulce y los Dulces de la Muerte
Thursday, Oct. 31
7-8:30 p.m.
Jo Young Switzer Center, upper level

Death and Other Endings

Panel discussion will focus on experiences commemorating life and death, with panelists who include a person living with cancer and professionals from funerary, grieving and counseling services.
For more information: Beate Gilliar

Thursday, Nov. 7
7 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

The Path to Becoming Your Best Self: Advice and Stories from Alumni

Join us as a panel of Manchester alumni shares stories about their experiences at Manchester, as well as how those experiences have led them to where they are now. Speakers will identify their passions, values and strengths, and explain how these things played a part in their success. These alumni will also share tips on how current students can get a head start on their future career goals by making suggestions based on their experiences.
For more information: Career and Professional Development

Tuesday, Nov. 12
3:30 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

When Conflict Comes to Dinner

This interactive event is at the intersection of improv and real-life scenarios. Attendees are encouraged to take an active role in learning and practicing the soft skills imperative to productive communication when facing difficult conversations.
For more information: Caraline Feairheller

Thursday, Nov. 21
7 p.m. (Film is 111 minutes long, followed by panel discussion)
Cordier Auditorium

Johnny Got His Gun

The film is based on an anti-war novel inspired by a true story of a WWI soldier who lost his limbs and vision. The film is 111 minutes in length. It will be followed by a panel discussion including students Chris Francois and Hannah Lawing; Dr. Pat Ashton; moderated by Caraline Feairheller. Film contains graphic violence and some nudity.

For more information: Caraline Feairheller

Thursday, Dec. 5
7 p.m.
Cordier Auditorium

Living this One ‘Wild and Precious Life’

Dr. Heather Schilling will provide examples of how Manchester University has impacted her life. She will touch on how she believes she has stayed true to the MU Mission Statement by providing examples from her life. She will empower students and faculty to create lasting relationships and realize that there is nothing more important than the way we treat other people. She will share where she has been. how that has impacted her, how it is important to her, and how it has allowed her to serve others.
For more information: Heather Schilling

Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA)

Fall 2019

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