Christendom College students recently participated in two prominent national conferences, engaging with leading academics and thought leaders on critical issues in philosophy, politics, and theology. Approximately 50 students attended both the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Ethics and Culture fall conference in South Bend, Indiana, and the Clare Boothe Luce Women’s Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, leaving the conferences feeling motivated to better impact their local communities and beyond.
Christendom students have opportunities to attend conferences throughout the academic year, taking what they learn in the classroom out into the broader academic world. This year’s conferences offered students the chance to build on their classroom learning and connect with leading academics and professionals in their fields of interest. The Notre Dame trip marked the ninth year Christendom students have attended their Ethics and Culture conference, while the Clare Boothe Luce Summit was attended for the third consecutive year.
Student Alex Dean found the Notre Dame conference particularly impactful.
“It was inspiring to see Catholic Academia represented by eager scholars from all over America, the UK, and even Italy,” says Dean. “The keynote speeches and different panels covered a wide range of disciplines and viewpoints, from literature and fiction to epistemology and psychiatry. The conference taught me in a new way to appreciate the ability of literature, especially poetry, to capture and express truth in a unique way.”
The three-day event, centered on the theme of the Catholic imagination, featured talks from renowned speakers, including alumnus Raymond Hain and former Christendom professor Elizabeth Lev. Their discussions challenged Christendom students and faculty in attendance — including College President George A. Harne, Ph.D. — to consider the connections between beauty, philosophy, and imagination in modern society.
15 students traveled to Nashville to participate in the Clare Boothe Luce Summit.
At the Clare Boothe Luce Summit in Nashville, junior Leah Mergener joined 15 other Christendom students for a series of talks from accomplished conservative women, including KT McFarland and Allie Beth Stuckey. Mergener, who was also inducted into the Luce Honor Society during the event for her service to the CBL both as an intern and as an employee, said the summit has been a defining part of her college experience.
“This conference has been one of the highlights of my Christendom experience,” Mergener said. “I knew attending this year’s Nashville Summit would be a wonderful opportunity to educate myself on the pressing current issues, become more aware of policy matters in the United States, and network with other conservative women.”
Mergener’s involvement with the Clare Boothe Luce Center began after attending last year’s summit, leading to a summer internship with the organization and a job as well as a Homeschool Outreach Coordinator. Lauren Husmann, program director for Clare Boothe Luce, commended Christendom students for their drive and professionalism.
Junior Leah Mergener was also inducted into the Luce Honor Society during the event for her service to the CBL both as an intern and as an employee.
“We are consistently impressed with the poise, maturity, and ambition we see in the young women we meet during these visits,” says Husmann. “They are committed to seeking truth and clearly desire to shine the light of Christ into our struggling culture. Leah Mergener is a particularly exceptional Christendom student. When considering which of our students to induct into the Luce Honor Society, Leah was an obvious choice. Members of the Luce Honor Society are highly driven and accomplished students who are active participants in our programs. Leah’s hard work and commitment to our mission has been truly impressive, and we are delighted to have her join this network of outstanding conservative leaders.”
Mergener’s story is a testament to the value of attending such conferences as a student — and a further testament to how well Christendom prepares students for finding success both now and after college.
Christendom students regularly attend conferences and lectures throughout the year, gaining valuable insights and building professional connections. For those who traveled to this year’s events, the opportunity to engage with thought leaders not only deepened their education but also strengthened their commitment to “restore all things in Christ.”