The State of Teaching at Bushnell University

In the Fall 2021 term, a call went out for nominations of Bushnell students in the daytime TUG program who had demonstrated by their observable behaviors that they were committed to approaching their classes as opportunities to learn, not simply to manipulate the class environment for high grades or other indirect rewards. Those nominees were named the inaugural class of Bergquist Laureates. The award is named for Dr. Tim Bergquist, the founder of ACE Day, who loved to encourage students to be scholars. At noon, the Bergquist Laureates will participate in a panel whose topic is the elements of Bushnell classes that help them learn, things that do not help them learn, and things they wish they would see that would help them learn. Bushnell faculty are invited to attend to listen.

The panelists:

  • Jared Dodson
  • Daniel Gerlach
  • Jacob Lilley
  • Kalani Miller
  • Samantha Mueller
  • Taylor Quirk
  • Jordyn Ramos
  • Alessia Righi
  • Emmalee Rusk
  • Luke Smith

L203

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Noon – 1 PM

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Jared Dodson

The Darkest Nights Have the Brightest Stars: Reevaluating Light and Darkness in Johannine Literature

The imagery of light and darkness has always connoted very strong ideas through many diverse cultures. So too is light and darkness a key theme in Johannine literature. St. John of Patmos consistently uses the theme of light and darkness to demonstrate realities concerning the nature of God and those who follow him. The task presented here is to reevaluate traditional understandings of John’s use of light and darkness in light of the broader narrative of scripture. This paper will seek to envision the theme of light and darkness in Johannine literature as a continuation of this theme as found in the Hebrew scriptures. This project will also explore the interpretations of the theme utilized by the early church fathers Origen and Gregory of Nyssa, and will explore how their contrasting perspectives both portray distinct aspects of light and darkness as used by John. Distilling each of these sources into a coherent understanding of John’s imagery and use of light and darkness, this paper will demonstrate how God can be experienced and is present in both light and darkness.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

Agametochukwu Iheanyi-Igwe

L203

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10 – 10:30 AM

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Jared Dodson

Mission Trips: Serving God’s Church or White Savior Syndrome?

This presentation will analyze the nature of short-term, U.S.-based mission trips and their ramifications on the missionary and those being ministered to alike. Through a sociological case study, this presentation will address the problematic elements in short-term missions, their effects on how race and diversity is viewed in the church, and potential ways of improving the way the church does short-term missions. 

SOC 410, Global Issues: Race in America

Melisa Ortiz Berry

Bushnell History Symposium, P103

10 AM – 1 PM

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