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 participation. 

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.

Events last about an hour unless noted otherwise. Members of the University community and the public are also invited to attend all VIA events. Admission is free unless otherwise noted.


Spring 2024

The Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) Committee invites you to take part in presentations this spring. A few VIAs might be added after we begin the semester, so please check back for updates.
Some listings may be incomplete. Please excuse this work in progress.
Image of President Stacy Young

Opening Convocation

11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, Cordier Auditorium




Step Afrika!

11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, Cordier Auditorium




Floyd-Thomas 2

MLK Commemoration VIA with Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas

11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, Cordier Auditorium




Dave McGrady

A Conversation with Campus Conservatives

11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19, Flory Auditorium




Jeff Osborne

Medical Practicum 2024

11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, Wine Recital Hall




Al Bello

Adaptive Leadership with Al Bello

11 a.m. Monday, March 4, Wine Recital Hall




Something Old, Something New

3 p.m. Sunday, March 10, Cordier Auditorium




Gabriela Ramalho Tafoya

The UN and the Challenge of Internally Displaced People

11 a.m. Monday, March 11, Wine Recital Hall




Jacob Mertens

Emergent Trends in Game Studies

11 a.m. Monday, March 25, Wine Recital Hall




Image of Chad Heck Holding Book "Gender Queer"

Legislating our Libraries: Banned Books in America with Chad Heck

11 a.m. Monday, April 1, Wine Recital Hall




Giving Back 2 You: Learning about the Manchester Fund

11 a.m. Monday, April 15, Wine Recital Hall




Jeff Osborne

Energy Transition at MU & Electric Vehicle Chargers

11 a.m. Monday, April 22, Wine Recital Hall




Baccalaureate

11 a.m. Monday, May 6, Cordier Auditorium