Attend Center for Faith and Learning Summer Seminar Retreat for Discussion of John Newman’s The Idea of a University

Full-time faculty and exempt staff are invited to apply for the Center for Faith and Learning Summer Seminar Retreat for a discussion of John Newman’s The Idea of a University to be held May 29-30, 2024, at Mary & Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes. Participants have the option of staying one extra night on May 30-31 for a personal retreat.

Participants will discuss a classic reading in the history of higher education, Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman's Idea of a University, first published in the mid-19th century. This book has been one of the most influential arguments in support of liberal (as opposed to specialized) education, that is, education for its own sake. His "idea" centered on a vision of an integrated, holistic and general education to facilitate the formation of morality. We gather now, however, to ask ourselves the same question that editor Martin J. Svaglic asked in his 1959 introduction: is Newman's idea "the faded dream of a bygone age"?

In addition to this high level theoretical conversation and a historical discussion of the development of the university, participants will be encouraged to discuss the relationship between the various Schools at Pepperdine as well as the distinction between undergraduate and graduate education.

• Where: Mary and Joseph Retreat Center, Rancho Palos Verdes.
• When: 9 AM Wednesday, May 29 to 3 PM Thursday, May 30, 2024; Optional personal retreat May 30-31, 2024.
• Who: Open to full-time faculty and exempt (salaried) staff. Led by J.A.T. Smith, CFL Associate Director.

Participation includes a $250 stipend, a copy of the book to read in advance, and room and board at the retreat center, including lunch and dinner on Wednesday and breakfast and lunch on Thursday. Participants who choose to stay an extra night will also have the option of dinner on May 30 and breakfast on May 31 at the retreat center.

Apply by March 15, 2024, at 5 PM on the retreat event page. There is space for 12 faculty and exempt staff and participants will be chosen from all areas of the university.