Panel: “The Life of Meaning – Finding and Reporting It in a World of Crisis,” brings veteran journalists together to share their experiences covering the tiny and monumental moments – often involving faith – that give meaning to human life. Features Bob Abernethy, executive editor and host of Religion & Ethics Newsweekly on PBS; Pat Rice, Pulitzer nominee, former St. Louis Post-Dispatch religion editor, and contributor to St. Louis Beacon.org; and Bill Tammeus, editorial page columnist for the Kansas City Star. Part of Missouri School of Journalism Centennial and Dedication event. Sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions and the Religion Newswriters Association.

p>Lecture: Katharina Galor, adjunct assistant professor at the Department of Judaic Studies at Brown University, speaks on “Jesus: What is the Archaeological Evidence?,”presenting a scholarly recreation of the world of Jesus’ times and an account of his life. Sponsored by the MU Museum of Art and Archaeology, Central Missouri Chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America, MU Department of Religious Studies, Center for Arts and Humanities, and Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum.

Celebration: 2008 Centennial and Dedication celebrates the 100th anniversary of the world’s first journalism school and opening of the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute. Tours, panels, lectures, exhibits, a scholarly symposium, recreational activities, receptions, performing arts, and more.

Sept. 9-13, 2008
Missouri School of Journalism

Presentation and social: Faith Communities Care for Creation, presentation on what faith and local communities are doing to care for the environment. Solar electric demonstration, discussion and brainstorming, ice cream social (homemade by solar/human power). Ice cream provided; bring toppings. Sponsored by local individuals and faith leaders.

Presentation: Chikage Sakmoto and group from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, including a victim of the atomic bombings. Posters will be up in Ellis Library. Sponsored by the MU Peace Studies Program.

Dialogue: “Race and Politics: Does Race Matter?,” dialogue series for students, faculty and staff that challenges people to discuss differences and discover similarities by discussing important issues. Free pizza and soda. Sponsored by the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative.

Film: “Body of War,” about Kansas City native Tomas Young, who was paralyzed from a bullet to his spine while serving in Iraq. Young comes to terms with his disability and evolves into a leader, finding new abilities and expressing a unique voice against the war in a new form of patriotism. Produced and directed by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, with original songs by Eddie Vedder, it explores moral and ethical arguments of the nation’s response to war-injured vets and costs of this type of war on soldiers. MU Provost Brian Foster will provide welcome; Young’s mother, Cathy Smith will attend; comments by Stacey Hafley of Military Families Speak Out. Sponsored by the MU Peace Studies Program with the Center on Religion & the Professions.

Community event: Annual Interfaith Potluck Picnic. Fellowship activities, conversation with people of different faiths, dinner. Families welcome. Sponsored by the Columbia Faith and Education Collaborative.