We are confronted daily by an overwhelming number of natural disasters, political unrest, and economic crises in every corner of the world. Our speakers will help us think about our responses to human needs in a culturally complex world. The work of the faith-based communities and humanitarian organizations that they represent is the starting point for our discussions of ethical, theological and intellectual frameworks that can guide us in making decisions about how we respond individually and corporately to those in need.
Town and Gown lectures are free and open to the public
All sessions will be held in Providence Hall, Room 162 at 6:30pm
October 18, 2011
Making a World of Difference in a World of Indifference
Patrick Melancon
Patrick Melancon currently serves as the Managing Director of Disaster Response and Training for Baptist Global Response.
One Life Can Make A Difference
Melody Harper
Melody Harper is the Campus Strategist.
She has a Bachelor's Degree from Samford University, a Masters of Social Work degree from The University of Alabama, and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies degree from Union University.
October 25, 2011
Global Vision: Exploring Avenues for International Work and Missions
Andrea McDaniel
Andrea McDaniel is the President of McDaniel Global Strategies, where she envisions and develops results oriented partnerships for companies, non-profits and government clients focused in the areas of education and economic opportunity. Her current work includes advising government and private sector organizations that are pioneering a new initiative to promote entrepreneurship and job creation in North Africa. She has substantial experience in fields of diplomacy and national security, including more than five years at the U.S. Department of State. In 2009, Andrea co-founded the As We Forgive - Rwanda Initiative, a faith-based, non-profit organization that promotes post-genocide healing and reconciliation through education. Andrea is actively involved in the Church of the Resurrection in Washington, DC, and she regularly visits her home state of Tennessee. She is a Union University alum (1999) and an 8th generation Tennessean.
November 1, 2011
Helping Hands and Loaded Arms: The Interface Between Humanitarian Organizations and the Military in Contemporary Conflict Environments
Ann Livingstone, Ph.D.
Ann Livingstone, Ph.D. is Vice President of Research and Education, Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. A graduate of Anderson University, Indiana, Dr. Livingstone earned her Masters at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She did post-graduate studies at Oxford University (UK) and was awarded her Ph.D. from University of Keele (UK). With a strong interest in the role that middle power Nation States have played in peace operations, Dr. Livingstone has been drawn to work in an environment where the concepts of peace and conflict are approached from a constructivist perspective. At the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, she has the opportunity to research and work with the civilian, military, and police personnel who play a critical role in the field of peace operations.
November 8, 2011
Beyond Good Intentions: When Culture, Crisis, and Social Services Intersect
Jennifer Escue and Louisa Saratora
Jennifer Escue is a graduate of Union University. She has a Bachelors of Social Work and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies. She has been working with Catholic Charities of Tennessee in Nashville for ten years, designing and implementing programs for refugee youth and elders.
Louisa Saratora has worked with refugees in Tennessee for fifteen years. She currently serves as the Assistant State Refugee Coordinator with the Tennessee Office for Refugees, a department of Catholic Charities of Tennessee. Louisa is currently working on a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Union University.
November 15, 2011
The Congregation as Expert: A New Way Forward
Donald Jordan
Donald Jordan completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Masters in Social Work from Union University. He has served in both the secular and religious communities doing clinical as well as community-based practice. He has experience and currently serves in leadership in both local and international non-profit organizations, both secular and religious, that seek to serve communities with dignity and respect. Donald is currently a contract mental health clinician for West Tennessee Healthcare, a contract community developer and trainer for Area Relief Ministries, and an adjunct professor for the School of Social Work at Union University.
