The Human Journey Colloquia Series
Upcoming Events
America 250: Hack the Constitution (High School Version)
September 17, 2026 | 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Loris Forum
Students from SHU’s Notre Dame Prep and neighboring high schools will present and defend to a panel of SHU student and faculty judges their answers to the following question: If you could “hack” into the American Constitution, what would you change and why?
America 250: Hack the Constitution
September 17, 2026 | 5 p.m. | Loris Forum
SHU students will present and defend to a panel of SHU faculty judges their answers to the following question: If you could “hack” into the American Constitution, what would you change and why?
Why CIT is at the Heart of Sacred Heart University
September 23, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Loris Forum
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Catholic Studies , this colloquium will tell about SHU's history, its charism, its name and how Catholic Studies emerged from the heart of SHU. Panel: Professors Michelle Loris (Catholic Studies); Nicole Perone (Catholic Studies), Dan Rober (Catholic Studies), Charlie Gillespie (Catholic Studies) and Chelsea King (Catholic Studies)
Sober Curious: Drink Less, Connect More
October 6, 2026 | 5 p.m. | Martire Theatre
Curious about drinking less—or simply interested in making more intentional choices around alcohol? This conversation explores the sober-curious movement and what it can look like to have fun, socialize, and build meaningful connections without alcohol always being part of the equation. Come explore new perspectives, practical strategies, and ways to make the most of your college experience—whether you drink, drink less, or take a break altogether. Presented by Jeffrey LaBella (Director of Counseling and Collegiate Recovery Program)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Getting Help and Support for Recovery
October 7, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Loris Forum
OCD and related disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. This panel presentation sponsored by the Connecticut Affiliate of the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation during OCD Awareness week will provide information about treatment and support for managing and recovering from the disabling symptoms of OCD. Professor Christina Taylor (Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Sacred Heart University)
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Faculty Book Celebration
October 7, 2026 | 3:30 p.m. | Loris Forum
This colloquium will showcase CAS faculty who have recently published books and they will discuss how their books relate to student studies and the CIT. Presented by: Professors Pamela Buck (English), Charles Gillespie (Catholic Studies), Chelsea King (Catholic Studies), Brent Little (Catholic Studies), Kelly Marino (History), Amie Reilly (English), David Thomson (History), Nathan Dragon, and Emily Costa
Making an Impact on Alzheimer's in Our Community!
October 13, 2026 | 3:30 p.m. | Loris Forum
Join Cheryl Podob, development manager for Fairfield County, and Bobbi Tar, co-chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer's, as they share the role of the Alzheimer's Association. Learn about it is, what resources are available, and how SHU has been a partner of the Alzheimer's Association for many years and is making an impact in the SHU community. Find out how you can be involved in the 5th annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s event campus on October 17! Co-sponsored by The Human Journey Colloquia Series, Community Engagement, and College of Health Professions
Rosa DeLauro
October 14, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Loris Forum
We are honored to have Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro come to speak. A small reception will follow.
Walking Together: Synodality as a Way of Being Human to Live Together
October 14, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Loris Forum
Guest speaker: Sister Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary, of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican and member of the Dicastery for Communication. She graduated from HEC School of Management, Paris, studied philosophy and theology at Facultés Loyola Paris (ex Centre Sèvres), then specialized in ecclesiology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry with a research on synodality. For 25 years, she was involved in youth ministry and served as Director of the National Service for the Evangelization of Youth and Vocations of the French Bishops' Conference from 2012 to 2018. She is the author of numerous publications on synodality and synods, young people and youth ministry, vocations and religious life, the Church, and mission.
#MeToo and Modernism
October 15, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Loris Forum
This colloquium will be an opportunity to revisit Dr. Robin E. Field and Dr. Jerrica Jordan’s edited collection, #MeToo and Modernism, in which we will discuss where the #MeToo movement stands today and explore it from a cultural, pedagogical, historical and literary perspectives. Guest Speakers: Dr. Robin E. Field and Dr. Jerrica Jordan. Moderated by Professor Nidhi Shrivastava (English)
Agape Center Dignity Dialogue Series
October 15, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. | Loris Forum
Agape Latte - Campus Ministry
Relationship Reality Check
October 20, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Loris Forum
Attendees will learn from the Office of Title IX, Wellness Center, and Center for Family Justice about healthy relationships and ways to identify/address unhealthy relationships. Resources will be provided on how to receive/provide support when someone experiences unhealthy relationships.
Spiritual Ecology and the Living Earth Community
October 21, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Loris Forum
Guest speakers Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim are co-directors of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology and authors of Ecology and Religion and editors of The Routledge Handbook on Religion and Ecology. Their newest project to support biodiversity is the Living Earth Community.
Reimagining Muir: Conservation and Restoration in a Change World
Great Minds Lecture
October 22, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Martire Theatre
John Muir shifted public perception of nature and wilderness, shaping modern environmentalism. But in an ever-changing world, traditional ideas of preservation, conservation, and restoration require new approaches and guidelines to inform best practices. This talk reimagines Muir’s ideals in a rapidly changing ecological and social climate with a goal toward identifying next steps. Presented by: Professor Torrie Hanley (Biology)
The Catholic Vote and the 2026 Midterms
October 27, 2026 | 5 p.m. | Loris Forum
The panel will discuss the importance of the Catholic vote for the midterm elections. Panel: Professors Dan Rober (Catholic Studies), Jennifer McLaughlin (History) and Marylena Mantas-Kourounis (Political Science and Global Affairs)
Is AI Corrupting Our 'Magnificent Humanity'? An Open Discussion on Pope Leo XIV's Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and AI
October 28, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Loris Forum
The panel will discuss the increasingly prevalent presence of AI in our lives in light of Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Age of AI, which asks important questions about what it means to be human and how to live a robust life of purpose and significance. Panel: Professor Dan Rober (Catholic Studies), Professor Arc Zhen Han (Political Science and Global Affairs), Beth Luoma (Center for Teaching & Learning), Professor Christine Susienka (Philosophy) and moderator, Professor June-Ann Greeley (English)
Student Research, Faculty Mentors, and Project Outcomes: The SHU Experience
October 28, 2026 | 3:30 p.m. | Loris Forum
Dr. Nicole Roy, professor and chair of biology, who joined SHU in 2007, has published extensively with undergraduates, including 34 SHU student co-authorships based on research completed in her lab on the developmental neurotoxicity of environmental chemicals, demonstrating her strong commitment to mentoring student scholars.
Lauren Larson '27 is a neuroscience major and goaltender for the hockey team who plans to attend graduate studies for pharmaceutical research.
Dr. Dawn Melzer is a professor in the psychology department whose research explores cognition in humans and animals. She co-directs the Canine Cognition Lab and campus service dog program with Dr. Yeater, where their work examines canine cognition and the impact of human–animal interactions on human stress, self-efficacy, and overall well-being.
Professor Nathan Lewis, professor and chair of art & design, is an artist and curator. His work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally in museums, galleries, and universities.
Professor Marie Hulme, of the English department, teaches literature and creative writing. Her research interests include the intersection of writing and healing, which she examines in a course she developed and teaches in the health humanities minor. One of her students in that course, Jessica Rossomando '26, presented her research “The Benefits of Creative Writing for a Young Person Living With Early-Diagnosed Hearing Impairment” at the Honors Festival in the spring, which included her collection of original poetry. She is continuing her studies at SHU in the graduate program in exercise science.
WALL-E Film Screening
November 4, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Martire Theatre
Join the Laudato Si’ office for a screening of Disney and Pixar’s WALL-E! This beloved film follows a lonely robot on an adventure that explores caring for the environment, the effects of overconsumption, and our responsibility to care for our common home. Come enjoy a fun afternoon movie with fellow students and see why WALL-E still has such an important message for us today.
More Than Medals: Women, Figure Skating & Social Change
November 4, 2026 | 3:30 p.m. | Loris Forum
From the early women who challenged exclusion in competitive figure skating to contemporary athletes who have spoken publicly about mental health, recovery, discrimination, and inclusion, female skaters have helped reshape both the sport and the culture surrounding it. This program will examine the history of women in figure skating and the ways skaters have used their visibility to advocate for positive change. Presented by: Professors Kelly Marino (History) and Cara Kilgallen (English)
Annual Kristallnacht Commemoration, Night of the Broken Glass
November 11, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Chapel of the Holy Spirit
American Women Saints: Frances Xavier Cabrini
November 11, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Martire Theatre
Using first person narration in modern language, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini’s life unfolds with the history of late 19th and early 20th century Italian emigration to the United States. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that, despite adversities, opened schools, orphanages, sanatoriums and hospitals. She was declared the first American Catholic saint. This film tells the story of this strong, smart and driven woman. Guest Speakers: Emmy-nominated, award-winning filmmakers Marylou & Jerome Bongiorno (Bongiorno Productions)
Learn to Intern: Advice from Past Interns
November 12, 2026 | 3:30 p.m. | East Theater
Do you want to make the most of your college experience? Join the Center for Career & Professional Development as they host a panel of Sacred Heart University students who will discuss their past or present internship experiences. Gain perspective, advice, lessons learned, and ideas on how to get hired and prepare for a successful future internship.
Agape Center Dignity Dialogue Series
November 17, 2026 | 5 p.m. | Loris Forum
Agape Latte - Campus Ministry
Interfaith Thanksgiving Services
November 18, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Chapel of the Holy Spirit
Heartbeats & Harmonies: A Musial Reflection of the Pioneer Journey
November 18, 2026 | 3:30 p.m. | Loris Forum
Join a group of your fellow Pioneers for an entirely student-developed musical approach to intentional reflection on the Pioneer Journey. Professor Charlie Gillespie (Catholic Studies) will host a rich and inspiring conversation helping us to connect beauty and our passions to courageous civil discourse.
Beauty, Art & Transcendence: Antoni Gaudi and the Creation of Basilica Sagrada Familia
December 2, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Loris Forum
In February, 2026, the magnificent Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain was formally completed after 144 years of construction. The famed architect and spiritual force who designed the edifice (as well as many other works) was Antoni Gaudi, considered one of the most unique architects of the modern age. 2026 also marks the 100th anniversary his untimely death (by accident). This colloquium will explore the life of Gaudi (now on the path to sainthood), the art and architecture of the Basilica, the meaning of beauty in the (post) modern age, and the viability of transcendence in a secularized world. Presented by: Professors June-Ann Greeley (English) and Dan Rober (Catholic Studies)
Previous Events
New Student Convocation
September 2, 2026
Mass of the Holy Spirit
September 9, 2026
America 250: Reflections on the American Revolution
September 10, 2026
Film screening featuring selections from the documentary The American Revolution by Ken Burns followed by panel discussion with SHU faculty members (Professors Steve Michels, Jennifer McLaughlin, Bill Yousman) reflecting on historical aspects, constitutional interpretations, and contemporary debates.
Agape Center Dignity Dialogue Series: Maintaining Mental Wellbeing
September 10, 2026
Explore the importance of mental well-being, recognizing signs that someone may be struggling, reducing stigma, developing strategies for maintaining wellness, and identifying ways we can better support ourselves and one another.