Debate Calendar

Dr. Tony Campolo is a nationally celebrated speaker, the author of 35 books and a media commentator on religious, social and political matters. Campolo will demonstrate how the “red letter” words of Jesus move us beyond the Republican/Democrat dichotomy and into a world where the crisis of AIDS, war and failing public schools can be tackled. His latest book is Red Letter Christians: A Citizen’s Guide to Faith and Politics. He has been a guest on the television programs The Colbert Report, Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect, The Charlie Rose Show and Larry King Live. Campolo is the founder and president of the Evangelical Association of the Promotion of Education and has worked to create, nurture and support programs for “at-risk” children in cities across North American and has helped establish schools and universities in several developing countries.

The opening Faculty Concert Series of Fall 2008 features internationally known “Zoro” in an evening of classic American rock drumming.

Rock ‘n’ roll historian Barry Drake will examine the relationship of rock music to the events of the 70s: Watergate, Nixon’s resignation, the Vietnam War and the Kent State tragedy.

Dr. Stanley Hauerwas was named “America’s Best Theologian” by TIME magazine in 2001. Hauerwas will look at how a proper understanding of peace leads away from using violence

to advance God’s work in the world. His work cuts across disciplinary lines, linking theology, ethics and political theory. His book, A Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic, was selected as one of the 100 most important books on religion of the 20th century. Hauwerwas’ most recent book is The State of the University: Academic Knowledges and the Knowledge of God.

The Belmont Theatre Company in cooperation with Actor’s Bridge Ensemble will present the play Arabian Nights in multiple showing from September 18 through September 28. This adaptation offers a wonderful blend of the lesser-known tales from Arabian Nights with the recurring theme of how the magic of storytelling holds the power to change people. The final scene brings the audience back to a modern-day Baghdad with the wail of air raid sirens threatening the rich culture and history that are embodied by these tales.

The Center for Business Ethics and the New Century Journalism Program will host a lively debate centering on the media’s coverage of the presidential election. News veteran, historian, pioneer and former newspaper publisher John Seigenthaler will anchor the event.

Belmont students will gather to watch the first presidential debate on the big screen. After the debate, the Belmont College Republicans and Young Democrats will host a roundtable to discuss candidate performance and significant public policy questions. Faculty moderators will include debate coach Jason Stahl and political scientist Vaughn May.

Ken Burns has been making documentary films for more than 30 years. Since the Academy Award-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, he has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made. Stephen Ambrose, the historian, has said of Burns’ films, “More Americans get their history form Ken Burns than any other source.” On Tues., September 30, Burns will address his approach to “history” and his perspective on the American experience and the following day will answer question from students in a Q-and-A session.

Nationally known performance artist Sheryl Oring will be on the Belmont campus October 1-31 with her characteristic typewriter and camera. Oring performs via an interactive project with her audience – any Belmont student or personnel who may pass by. She sets up her table and typewriter and types postcards dictated by participants on what they wish to say to the future President. A photographer is there to document this “performance”. Her “performances” have become both books and exhibits.

Commercial Voice faculty Brice Bennett, Sandra Dudley, Kathryn Paradise, Henry Smiley and Jamie Wiggenton present a showcase of American popular song.

Belmont’s 90-piece Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Robert Gregg, presents an evening of American orchestral classics including “A Lincoln Portrait”.

The Belmont Theatre Company will present the play Biloxi Blues in multiple showings from October 23 through November 2. The 1985 Tony Award winner for Best Play tells the story of a young army recruit during the Second World War who is learning about life as he goes through boot camp in Biloxi, Miss., in 1943.

Belmont’s “big band”, under the direction of Dr. Jeff Kirk, presents a concert of classic American jazz.

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner is the former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, the organization of African-American members of Congress, and is president of the Skinner Leadership Institute. She has spent her career helping to develop a new generation of spiritually grounded leaders. She has also served on the boards of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, the National Political Congress of Black Women, the Christian Community Development Association and Evangelicals for Social Action.