Each year, the Robert Nusbaum Center (NC) sponsors educational initiatives that both engage the campus community and reach beyond the University to invite the larger public into exploration of religious, racial, and ideological differences.
Many events are arranged in collaboration with local organizations and faith communities, and through partnerships with various Virginia Wesleyan departments and student organizations.
Speakers’ perspectives are intended to invite civil discussion and dialogue, but don’t necessarily reflect the policy or position of Virginia Wesleyan University. Please join us for these special opportunities to build bridges of understanding between people of different worldviews.
All NC events are free, open to the public, and are held on the VWU campus unless otherwise noted.
The Goode Place: Why the Humanities Matter Now More Than Ever
The Goode Place: Why the Humanities Matter Now More Than Ever
Thursdays, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Brock Commons
How you frame the world matters. Most people don't buy music because of the number of notes in a song; quantity doesn't matter there. Nobody comforts the grieving owner of a deceased dog by focusing on the financial worth of the pet. Within the university, the humanities disciplines bring students to reflect in unique and foundational ways about values, meaning, and life.
On Thursdays, from noon to 12:45 p.m., bring your lunch to the Brock Commons and join scholars from the VWU Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities. Each week one scholar shares reflections on an aspect of their own discipline that illuminates why the humanities matter now more than ever.
September 29
Why Classics Matters: The Ancient World in Modern Virginia
Ben Haller, Ph.D.
October 13
Why Theatre Matters: "Roe" and the Need for Art as Social Commentary
Sally Shedd, Ph.D.
October 27
Why Philosophy (Still) Matters: The Search for Wisdom in a Turbulent and Uncertain World
Steven Emmanuel, Ph.D.
November 10
Why Religious Studies Matters: Parables and the Revelation of God
Terry Lindvall, Ph.D.
December 1
Why Children's Literature Matters: A New Battleground in Public Schools
Kellie Holzer, Ph.D.
The Impact of Christianity on American Culture
September 22
The American Fetish: Constitution-Love and the Nation’s Way of Being
CONSTITUTION DAY
Thursday, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
Eric Mazur, Ph.D.
The U.S. Constitution—the central document in the birth and continued existence of the Republic—is accorded none of the ritual privileges of the American flag: It is not saluted, pledged to, handled, or disposed of in any particular way. Nonetheless, it is treated as an American scripture, quoted and interpreted as the ultimate authority to settle our country’s most difficult and divisive disputes. It is, like the flag, part of a “national faith,” a religion-like set of symbols and behaviors that are at the heart of patriotism and civic engagement, as well as foundational in movements like Christian nationalism. Join Eric Mazur as he describes the role of the Constitution in American Civil Religion: its constituent elements, its expressions in contemporary America, and its benefits and dangers in a modern democratic society.
Eric Mazur, Ph.D., is the Gloria and David Furman Professor of Judaic Studies and Robert Nusbaum Center Religion, Law, and Politics Fellow at Virginia Wesleyan University.
November 3
The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism
COOKSON LECTURE
Thursday, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
Paul Miller, Ph.D.
What’s the relationship between religious faith and national identity in the United States? And what's at stake if we misunderstand the relationship between Christianity and the American nation? An evangelical Christian and a political conservative, professor, veteran, and former White House staffer, Paul Miller unravels Christian nationalism’s historical importance, its key tenets, and its political, cultural, and spiritual implications. Miller highlights both the positive case for Christian nationalism and his reasons for rejecting it and seeing its devastating implications. He doesn’t battle straw men or engage in moral demonization but creates ground for more meaningful analysis and dialogue. Join him for an engaging evening.
Paul D. Miller, Ph.D., is a professor in the practice of international affairs at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is also a senior fellow with the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council and a research fellow with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Miller previously served in the U.S. Army (including a tour in Afghanistan), as an analyst with the CIA, and as director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on the National Security Council staff.
November 17
Is Christianity the White Man’s Religion?
Thursday, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
Antipas Harris, Ph.D.
If Christianity is for everyone, why does the Bible seem to endorse slavery? Why do most popular images of Jesus feature a man with white skin and blue eyes? Is evangelical Christianity “good news” or a tool of white supremacy? As they look for a faith or worldview that makes sense to them, many young people—especially people of color—see traditional Christianity as inapplicable to their lives and detached from matters of justice, identity, and culture.
In Is Christianity the White Man's Religion?: How the Bible Is Good News for People of Color, Antipas Harris—a theologian, academic, and community activist—responds to a list of hot topics from young Americans who struggle with the perception that Christianity is detached from lived reality. In this talk, Harris addresses directly the challenges Christianity faces today and then points to how the Bible can and should be seen as good news for all people.
Antipas L. Harris, Ph.D., D.Min., is the founder, president, and dean of the Urban Renewal Center in Norfolk, Virginia. He is the former founding president and dean of Jakes Divinity School in Dallas, Texas, as well as an ordained minister, theological educator, and community leader.
Reproductive Rights
Sponsored in partnership with the Virginia Beach Branch of the American Association of University Women, and the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies Program at Virginia Wesleyan University.
History, Health, and the Reversal of Roe v. Wade
As debates in the U.S. rage over the right to end a pregnancy, this series focuses on the history, current status, and future of abortion in the United Status. With input from experts in history and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, this series provides a framework for shaping our thinking and conversations about reproductive rights.
September 27
A Brief History of Abortion in America AND The Ripple Effects of Overturning Roe v. Wade
Tuesday, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
A Brief History of Abortion in America
Kathleen Casey explains the history of abortion and its criminalization in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, she briefly highlights other ways in which women have tried to control pregnancies. Finally, Casey discusses how attempts to regulate access to contraception and abortion have disproportionately impacted working-class women and women of color. Kathleen Casey, Ph.D., is associate professor of history and coordinator of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies at Virginia Wesleyan University.
The Ripple Effects of Overturning Roe v. Wade
Jennifer Slivka discusses the right to privacy established by the decision of Roe v. Wade and explores the wide-ranging repercussions on the bodily autonomy of those who can become pregnant. From a feminist perspective, Slivka considers the ramifications on healthcare, as well as the social, emotional, and economic well-being of women, non-binary, and transgender men. Jennifer Slivka, Ph.D,. is associate professor of English and affiliated faculty for Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Programming & Partnerships
September 25
Social Justice U
Sunday, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Doors open at 2:30 p.m.)
Pearce Suite, Batten Student Center
Social Justice U is an action-oriented informational program that prepares citizens to talk with their legislators. The event includes educational issue briefings on topics like women’s health care, voter rights, affordable housing, and climate justice. Brief remarks by key-note speaker Eric W. Claville, director of the Center for African American Public Policy at Norfolk State University.
Sponsored in partnership with the Legislative Collaborative Table of Hampton Roads, an ad hoc collaboration of nonpartisan nonprofits that advocates for a joint Virginia legislative agenda of social justice issues.
December 8
The End of Bias: A Beginning
How We Eliminate Unconscious Bias and Create a More Just World
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Simon Family JCC, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach
Jessica Nordell
Unconscious bias: persistent, unintentional prejudiced behavior that clashes with our consciously held beliefs. It exists everywhere: in medicine, the workplace, education, policing, and beyond. But when it comes to uprooting our prejudices, we still have far to go. With nuance, compassion, and ten years’ immersion in the topic, Jessica Nordell explains how minds, hearts, and behaviors can change – and provides us with the tools needed to spark that change - so that each of us can begin to remake ourselves and transform the world.
Jessica Nordell is an award-winning author, science writer, and speaker known for blending rigorous science with compassionate humanity. Her first book, “The End of Bias: A Beginning,” was named Best Book of the Year by World Economic Forum, Greater Good, AARP, and Inc and is currently being used by organizations from newsrooms and startups to universities, healthcare organizations, and faith communities to solve some of their biggest cultural challenges.
Religious Diversity
October 25
Jews and Christians: Same Art, Different Responses
Tuesday, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk
Michael Panitz, Ph.D., and Craig Wansink, Ph.D.
Reservations Required
The same art sometimes provokes very different responses from Jews and Christians. Michael Panitz and Craig Wansink have taught together for over 20 years at VWU and their congregations—Temple Israel and Second Presbyterian Church—also have had an ongoing relationship for decades. Join them for a walk-through tour of The Chrysler Museum of Art as they look together at works of art, each reflecting on them from the perspective of their own faith. The tour size needs to be limited, so please contact the Robert Nusbaum Center to register at 757.455.3129 or nusbaumcenter@vwu.edu.
Michael Panitz, Ph.D., has served as rabbi at Temple Israel in Norfolk since 1992. For years he has been an active leader in interfaith dialogue in Hampton Roads, even serving as one of the two founding leaders of the Nexus Interfaith Dialogue at the Robert Nusbaum Center. Since 1999 he also has served as an adjunct professor in religious studies and history at VWU.
Craig Wansink, Ph.D., is professor and chair of Religious Studies at Virginia Wesleyan University. He also serves as the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center at VWU, and is senior pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Norfolk.
October 27
Conflict in Context: The Changing Map of Israel
Thursday, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Susan T. Beverly Hall, Edward D. Hofheimer Theatre
Joe Perlov
This experiential program uses a map of Israel and the Middle East—constructed together with the participants during the program—to focus on the history, competing narratives, and political, social, cultural, and security issues facing Israel and her neighbors. In an exciting and dynamic deliberation encouraging participant involvement, the program looks at contemporary and historic challenges that have shaped the narratives of Israel for generations. It is suitable for all ages, and multi-generational dialogue is a focus.
Joe Perlov is an American-born Israeli peace, pluralism, and equality activist who has served as an educator, community leader, and lecturer in Israel, Europe, and the U.S. He is the founder and former CEO of Re: IL Regarding Israel, an educational travel company.
Sponsored in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC as part of the 12th annual Israel Today series.
November 3
Kidnapping Jesus? Judas, Mary, Thomas, James, and the “Other” Gospels in the Early Church
Thursday, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Brock Commons
Craig Wansink, Ph.D.
Many stories about Jesus existed during the church’s first centuries. Although not included in the New Testament, the Gospel of Judas, Gospel of Mary, Infancy Gospel of Thomas, and Infancy Gospel of James highlight unique ways in which people understood Jesus and their own faith. What was Jesus like as a child? What was his mother like as a child? Why was a gospel attributed to Judas? Why do people even ask these questions? Come reflect on what these ancient gospels say and how they’ve shaped us.
Craig Wansink, Ph.D., is professor and chair of Religious Studies at Virginia Wesleyan University. He also serves as the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center at VWU.
World Culture Festival
The World Culture Festival (WCF) is a global initiative that celebrates the underlying spirit that connects people across differences – in our communities and as one global family. The Hampton Roads World Culture Festival will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023. In anticipation of that event, two dialogues this fall highlight how diversity and inclusion strengthens our region.
November 5
The Power of Art as Social Commentary: Exploring Education in Hampton Roads
Saturday, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The Hague School, Norfolk
Sponsored in partnership with The Hague School and The DoArt Network.
Rising Tides, Rising Tensions is a mobile art installation created by local artist Renee Calway (with support from the Nusbaum Center’s Kelly Jackson) that confronts the role that race has played and continues to play in human migration throughout the Hampton Roads region. The exhibit draws attention to the historical underpinnings of discriminatory attitudes and policies that have influenced experiences in areas that include education, housing, transportation, and hospitality. Building from this exhibit, students at The Hague School in Norfolk discuss their research specifically on the history of education in the region, present their artistic interpretations, and lead discussion on the future of education.
The Hague School is an independent secondary school dedicated to the development of character and academic achievement. The school combines the Harkness conference method of instruction with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills in the classroom.
November 17
Power of Diversity and Inclusion in STEM: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps
Thursday, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
WEBB Center, Old Dominion University
Sponsored in partnership with the Center for Faculty Development and the Office of Faculty Diversity and Retention at Old Dominion University.
For centuries, innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have had positive impacts on human lives, well-being, and the economy. STEM professionals fuel our nation’s economic growth and drive innovation. While studies by the National Academy of Science show that diverse STEM teams outperform homogeneous teams, increasing diversity in STEM continues to be a challenge. Old Dominion University Provost Dr. Austin Agho, Director of NASA Langley Research Center Clayton Turner, and leaders from Eastern Virginia Medical School and Virginia State Department of Education discuss the progress their institutions are making in STEM diversity and highlight initiatives underway to address challenges and further improve diversity and inclusion.
Please join us for an engaging discussion on why creating a more diverse STEM workforce is critical to our scientific, economic, and social progress as a nation.
Fall 2022 Calendar of Events
September 22
The American Fetish: Constitution-Love and the Nation’s Way of Being
CONSTITUTION DAY
Thursday, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
Eric Mazur, Ph.D.
September 25
Social Justice U
Sunday, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Pearce Suite, Batten Student Center
Eric W. Claville, J.D.
September 27
A Brief History of Abortion in America AND The Ripple Effects of Overturning Roe v. Wade
Tuesday, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
Kathleen Casey, Ph.D. and Jennifer Slivka, Ph.D.
September 29
Why Classics Matters: The Ancient World in Modern Virginia
THE GOODE PLACE
Thursday, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Brock Commons
Ben Haller, Ph.D.
October 13
Why Theatre Matters: “Roe” and the Need for Art as Social Commentary
THE GOODE PLACE
Thursday, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Brock Commons
Sally Shedd, Ph.D.
October 25
Jews and Christians: Same Art, Different Responses
Thursday, 12:00 –1:00 p.m.
The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk
Michael Panitz, Ph.D. and Craig Wansink, Ph.D.
Reservations Required
October 27
Why Philosophy (Still) Matters: The Search for Wisdom in a Turbulent and Uncertain World
THE GOODE PLACE
Thursday, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Brock Commons
Steven Emmanuel, Ph.D.
October 27
Conflict in Context: the Changing Map of Israel and the Middle East
Thursday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Susan T. Beverly Hall, Edward D. Hofheimer Theatre
Joe Perlov
November 3
Kidnapping Jesus? Judas, Mary, Thomas, James, and the “Other” Gospels in the Early Church
Thursday, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Brock Commons
Craig Wansink, Ph.D.
November 3
The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism
COOKSON LECTURE
Thursday, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
Paul D. Miller, Ph.D.
November 5
The Power of Art as Social Commentary: Exploring Education in Hampton Roads
Saturday, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The Hague School, Norfolk
November 10
Why Religious Studies Matters: Parables and the Revelation of God
THE GOODE PLACE
Thursday, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Brock Commons
Terry Lindvall, Ph.D.
November 17
Is Christianity the White Man’s Religion?
Thursday, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
Antipas Harris, Ph.D.
November 17
Power of Diversity and Inclusion in STEM: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps
Thursday, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
WEBB Center, Old Dominion University
December 1
Why Children’s Literature Matters: A New Battleground in Public Schools
THE GOODE PLACE
Thursday, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Brock Commons
Kellie Holzer, Ph.D.
December 8
The End of Bias: A Beginning
How We Eliminate Unconscious Bias and Create a More Just World
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Simon Family JCC, Virginia Beach
Jessica Nordell