ATCHISON —The academic world has its eyes on Benedictine College Sept. 28 – 30 as the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars brings its 41st Annual Convention to Atchison, Kan.
According to a media release. the theme of this year’s convention is “The Future of Science, Technology and the Human Person” and discussion topics will include artificial intelligence, embryonic research, and the role of technology in Christian life. Those interested in attending can get more information, view the schedule and register at the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars website.
“Our school is an appropriate place for the discussion of this topic,” said Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis. “Benedictine College is becoming a leader in STEM education, and we believe faith, morality and ethics are just as important in the sciences as in every other part of our lives. They cannot be separated. That is why it is so important to train future doctors, engineers and scientists at a place like Benedictine College that understands the essential role of faith, morality and ethics in the sciences.”
The Fellowship of Catholic Scholars originated in the late 1970s as professors at Catholic colleges looked to find ways to put their abilities more fully at the service of the Catholic faith. They saw their intellectual work as expressing the service they owed to God. They have come together for their convention each year to share ideas on important topics.
Convention speakers this year include Catholic author Mary Eberstadt and her husband, Nick, a well-known political economist; Fr. Thomas Weinandy, a theologian who teaches at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., and the Gregorian University in Rome; and Benedictine College professors Dr. Mark Schramp, Dr. Richard Crane, Dr. James Madden, Dr. Anthony Crifasi, and Dr. Charles Sprouse. During the Saturday evening banquet, the organization will honor Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas with the 2018 Cardinal O’Boyle Award for outstanding courageous witness to the Church. The Eberstadts and Fr. Weinandy will also receive honors that night.
Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is proud to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.