Focus 2025 Bridging the Gap Through Storytelling

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Focus 2025 Bridging the Gap Through Storytelling *

Session 1-1 8:55-9:55 POL304

Prof. Paul Nemecek: Stories From The Margins

Focuses on the importance of empathic listening as a means of moral conversion.  Professor Nemecek will share stories that have shaped him during his 48 years at SAU.  From his experiences working in prisons, his CORE 200 trips to Chicago and his travels around the globe he will share the stories of marginalized people he has talked to in prisons, ghettos, homeless shelters, and refugee camps.

Session 1-2 8:55-9:55 Ganton Art Gallery

Prof. Roger Varland: Does Every Picture Really Tell a Story?

Enjoy and dissect the photography exhibit in the Ganton Gallery while we explore whether or not pictures, particularly photographs, tell a story . . . and if they do, how true are they?

Session 1-3 8:55-9:55 POL305

Dr. Robert McTyre: How Patrick Lencioni’s Narrative Approach Enriches the Business Literature

This workshop examines two of Patrick Lencioni’s works, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” and “Three Signs of a Miserable Job” (used in BUS 325-Principles of Management). Lencioni’s work will be discussed from the perspective of the narrative concept and the telling of stories as a way to gain deeper connections to critical business subject matter, such as change management.

Session 1-4 8:55-9:55 POL303

Dr. Maxwell Patchet: Speculative Stories

Why do we tell stories that are not true? Why are fantasy, science fiction, and horror such popular genres, and what does this tell us about why we tell stories and what they are for?

Session 1-5 10:05-11:00 Arbor Church Auditorium

Panel: Stories of Bridging the Gap at SAU

Dr. Mark Edwards interviews panelists serving in a variety of roles at SAU about the impact of the Bridging the Gap program

*****

Session 2-1 11:15-12:15 POL302

Presented by SDL200 Students

Bridging the Gap through Storytelling

Students from SAU's Bridging the Gap course will lead you in an engaging, participatory session on how to effectively share your story

Session 2-2 11:15-12:15 POL305

Prof. Paul Nemecek: Stories From The Margins

 Focuses on the importance of empathic listening as a means of moral conversion.  Professor Nemecek will share stories that have shaped him during his 48 years at SAU.  From his experiences working in prisons, his CORE 200 trips to Chicago and his travels around the globe he will share the stories of marginalized people he has talked to in prisons, ghettos, homeless shelters, and refugee camps.

Session 2-3 11:15-12:15 POL303

Dr. Maxwell Patchet: Speculative Stories

Why do we tell stories that are not true? Why are fantasy, science fiction, and horror such popular genres, and what does this tell us about why we tell stories and what they are for?

Session 2-4 11:15-12:15 POL202

Dr. Caleb Chan, Dr. Randall Lewis, Mr. Dave McCallum

What to do and what not to do when experiencing the unexpected in life

Learning from a panel of fellow believers as they tell their personal stories. Come hear their stories and learn from their perspectives that will uplift your faith journey and change your paradigm on disabilities, sicknesses, and other adversities.

Session 2-5 11:15-12:15 POL105B

Dr. Luman Strong and School of Education: Stories as Tools

Telling stories is an age-old pedagogy for teachers...and all who want to benefit those around them. This workshop will provide examples of instructive stories, when to use, and how to use stories as effective instruction and persuasion strategies.

Session 2-6 11:15-12:15 DC Aspen Room

Panelists: Talk-back session over lunch

Join us at the table for conversation and questions related to the 10:05 session

*****

Session 3-1 12:30-1:30 Ganton Art Gallery

Prof. Roger Varland: Does Every Picture Really Tell a Story?

Enjoy and dissect the photography exhibit in the Ganton Gallery while we explore whether or not pictures, particularly photographs, tell a story . . . and if they do, how true are they?

Session 3-2 12:30-1:30 POL303

Dr. Robert McTyre

How Patrick Lencioni’s Narrative Approach Enriches the Business Literature

This workshop examines two of Patrick Lencioni’s works, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” and “Three Signs of a Miserable Job” (used in BUS 325-Principles of Management). Lencioni’s work will be discussed from the perspective of the narrative concept and the telling of stories as a way to gain deeper connections to critical business subject matter, such as change management.

Session 3-3 12:30-1:30 POL305

Dr. Paul Patton: Storytelling Amidst the Wisdom of God's Creation!

The components of effective storytelling are basically the same regardless of what century or what Continent. Paul discusses basic storytelling principles and stewarding story ideas effectively. He will also talk about finding almost hidden stories from your own autobiography.

Session 3-4 12:30-1:30 POL302

Dr. Rachel Griffis: Storytelling as a Way to Wisdom

Stories about uncomfortable situations and complicated decisions give us the opportunity to deepen our grasp of virtue, ultimately developing our ability to order our loves and to grow in wisdom. This focus session will consider Christian thinkers on the concept of wisdom alongside famous literary works that help us consider wise actions and decisions in difficult circumstances.

*****

Session 4-1 1:45-2:45 POL302

Presented by SDL200 Students

Bridging the Gap through Storytelling

Students from SAU's Bridging the Gap course will lead you in an engaging, participatory session on how to effectively share your story.

Session 4-2 1:45-2:45 POL305

Dr. Paul Patton: Storytelling Amidst the Wisdom of God's Creation!

The components of effective storytelling are basically the same regardless of what century or what Continent. Paul will discuss basic storytelling principles and stewarding story ideas effectively. He will also talk about finding almost hidden stories from your own autobiography.

Session 4-3 1:45-2:45 POL202

Dr. Jim Dolson: Stories of Motivation: Exploring Why People Choose Advanced Education

What drives people to pursue higher education? In this session, we’ll explore real stories of motivation—stories of passion, purpose, and persistence. Through storytelling, we’ll bridge the gap between ambition and achievement, inviting you to reflect on your own journey in education and beyond.

Session 4-4 1:45-2:45 SMC142

Dr. Stephen Murphy: Chasing Lyrics: The Art of Musical Storytelling

Come and see first-hand how lyrics are crafted with a goal of telling a story. You will also take part in an actual co-write of a brand new song

*****

Session 5-1 3:00-4:30 RCF

Film and discussion: American Neighbor

Race and Storytelling

Young people - including SAU graduates - host public discussions about race in America during a road trip along the Mississippi River (shortly after the killing of George Floyd)

*****

Session 6-1 7:00-9:00PM RCF

Hosted by Prof. Gwen Hersha

Story Slam

Share your 5 minute true story on the theme "growing up." Compete for the Grand Prize; Cheer on the storytellers! Refreshments available.