Join us for the 4th Annual Civil Discourse Symposium:

"Immigrants and Refugees: Celebrating Our Diversity”

To be held Thursday, November 2, 2017 starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Paul A. Johnson Conference Hall at the L.V. Eberhard Center on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Facilitated by Dr. Jack Mangala, the 2016-2017 Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse

Co-moderated by Alan Headbloom host of "Feel Like You Belong"

The 2017 Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Symposium offers a venue for the community to engage in a civil discussion on immigration by considering both its benefits and challenges.  Through round-table discussion and panelist-let dialogue, the symposium offers opportunities to interact with community organizations engaged with immigrants and refugees and examine the dynamics driving global migration.

A light dinner will be served starting at 5:00 p.m. Parking is available at no cost Your RSVP is appreciated. 

Panelists

Dr. Mladjo Ivanovic is a visiting professor at the department of philosophy at Grand Valley State University. His research focuses on moral and political challenges tied with the forceful displacement and migration of people. He is also engaged with NGO communities in Serbia, Greece and Turkey, and serves as an advisor for various student organizations that deal with humanitarianism and social justice.

Steffanie Rosalez is the Program Director for the Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities, Cook Arts Center. Using the arts, she has worked with children from immigrant families in various capacities, including as the manager of the after school program (LOOP) at Cesar Chavez Elementary School.

Kristine Van Noord is the Program Manager for Bethany Christian Services’ Refugee Adult & Family Programs.  Kristine has 19 years of experience working with refugees including over seven years with Bethany.  She also lived in the Middle East for five years.