Sterling College has received a grant from Humanities Kansas for $2,300 to host “Virtues of Place: Wendell Berry and Rural Kansas.” The program will include a panel, lecture, and two book discussions, inspired by Wendell Berry’s writing on place and community, to further discussion about education in rural Kansas. Book discussions will occur at 10 a.m. on both March 30 and April 27, at the Sterling Free Public Library. The symposium will take place on April 29 with a panel at 4 p.m. in Cornerstone and lecture at 7 p.m. in Heritage Hall on the Sterling College campus.

“The project will give our community space to discuss local histories and what is unique about where we live and work. I hope it will encourage our community to understand and value where and who we are, as well as challenge us to grow,” said Dr. Rachel Griffis, assistant professor of language and literature.

Educators, farmers, environmentalists, and other individuals involved in agriculture and public service are specifically encouraged to attend. The event is open to the public.  The events are intended to challenge people to consider what their places and communities need from them, how they might serve their places and communities, and what particular narratives and images of ecological and human flourishing will inspire them to lead healthy, ethical lives. People involved in this program will gain exposure to theories of place and community and learn from each other about living, teaching, serving, and learning in rural Kansas.

“Humanities Kansas supports projects that enable discussions about important issues. This symposium and book discussions use the works of celebrated writer and farmer Wendell Berry to spark dialogue about education in rural Kansas,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas Executive Director.

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, their pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with their partners and supporters, they inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. For more information, visit humanitieskansas.org.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kan., with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.