UPbeat

News for and about University of Portland faculty and staff.

Garaventa Center

“Seashells of the Red Sea,” Lecture April 16

shellsThe Garaventa Center will host a lecture by Mary Lyn Rusmore-Villaume, “Seashells of the Red Sea,” on Thursday, April 16, at 7:15 p.m., in the Holy Cross Lounge in Franz Hall. Her talk is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and the public.

Rusmore-Villaume is the author and photographer of Seashells of the Egyptian Red Sea: The Illustrated Handbook, and will be highlighting the mystery of different seashells. She has spent her career examining seashells of the Red Sea in Egypt. She will share some of her favorite examples of improbable marine success stories, the variety of sea life to be found so near to the desert, and her conviction “that God does indeed love a good laugh of delight.”

For more information contact the Garaventa Center at 8014 or eifler@up.edu.

Divine Laughter Lecture, April 9

hThe Garaventa Center will host a lecture by Anita Houck, “God, Humor & Humanity: From The Iliad to The Onion” on Thursday, April 9, at 7:15 p.m., in the Holy Cross Lounge in Franz Hall. Her talk is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and the public.

Houck is chairwoman of religious studies at Saint Mary’s College in Indiana, as well as an associate professor of theology. In this lecture, she will offer the audience a whirlwind tour of humor’s history in exploring the mystery of the Divine, from Homer’s controversial depictions of the laughter of the Greek gods to the coverage of religion in Chicago’s edgy satirical newspaper. The lecture is part of the Beckman Humor Project, established by John ’42 and Patricia Beckman for a multi-disciplinary effort to study and promote humor as a “spiritual and revolutionary energy in every field of endeavor, from business to politics to the arts and beyond.”

For more information contact the Garaventa Center at 8014 or eifler@up.edu.

Pre-show Panel, Social for “Three Sisters,” April 11

wine copyPrior to the Saturday, April 11 performance of Three Sisters by Anton Chekov, all ticket holders are invited to enjoy complimentary wine and cheese while listening to campus experts Candace McLean, theology, Mindi Logan, theater, and Elise Moentmann, history, as they highlight production details and illuminate important themes in the play. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. in Mago Hunt Center lobby before moving into the recital hall for a panel discussion. Tickets for the play may be purchased through the Mago Hunt Box Office at 7287, and questions regarding the pre-play reception/panel may be directed to Karen Eifler, Garaventa Center, at eifler@up.edu or 8014.

Pope Francis Wants You!

Pope FrancisFr. Charlie Gordon, C.S.C., Garaventa Center, will present “Living the Joy of the Gospel With Pope Francis,” a fantastic précis of this papal exhortation, on Tuesday, April 14, at 3 p.m., in the Franz Hall Holy Cross lounge. All members of the UP community are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. Winners of the Garaventa Center’s annual High School Essay Contest will be presented with their prizes immediately prior to Fr. Charlie’s talk. For more information contact the Garaventa Center at garaventa@up.edu.

Final Visio Divina of Lent, April 1

Crucifixion.jpgAll members of the University community are invited to participate in the final session of Visio Divina this Wednesday, April 1, in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. Visio Divina offers a chance to enter into a deep silence and simply be present, using an image from The Saint John’s Bible as a focal point. This week’s illumination is “The Crucifixion.” Sessions last about 30 minutes and are offered at 12:45 p.m., or 7:15 p.m.

For details, contact Karen Eifler (eifler@up.edu) or Beth Barsotti (barsotti@up.edu).

Divine Laughter Lecture, April 9

Houck-new-Web copyThe Garaventa Center will host a lecture by Anita Houck, “God, Humor & Humanity: From The Iliad to The Onion” on Thursday, April 9, at 7:15 p.m., in the Holy Cross Lounge in Franz Hall. Her talk is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and the public.

Houck is chairwoman of religious studies at Saint Mary’s College in Indiana, as well as an associate professor of theology. In this lecture, she will offer the audience a whirlwind tour of humor’s history in exploring the mystery of the Divine, from Homer’s controversial depictions of the laughter of the Greek gods to the coverage of religion in Chicago’s edgy satirical newspaper. The lecture is part of the Beckman Humor Project, established by John ’42 and Patricia Beckman for a multi-disciplinary effort to study and promote humor as a “spiritual and revolutionary energy in every field of endeavor, from business to politics to the arts and beyond.”

For more information contact the Garaventa Center at 8014 or eifler@up.edu.

Kate Regan Short Film Festival, March 26, Bauccio Commons

Staff and faculty portraitsThe second annual Kate Regan Short Film Festival will take place on Thursday, March 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Bauccio Commons board room. The festival will feature works from UP students, faculty, and staff in five categories: Narrative, Humor, International, Documentary, or Animation. Join with the campus community for a celebration of UP storytellers and filmmakers, and of course the late Kate Regan. The film screenings and awards ceremony will include free popcorn and refreshments, a photo booth, and raffle prizes for the audience. The festival is free and open to all. For updates visit: https://sites.up.edu/KReganSFF/.

The Kate Regan Short Film Festical is sponsored by academic technology services, the Garaventa Center, and the International Studies and Global Outreach Collaborative (CISGO).

Visio Divina Offers A Peaceful Pause

Lazarus.VISIOjpgAll are invited to step out of the storm and into the quiet of Visio Divina on Wednesday, March 25, at 12:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. This gently guided contemplative prayer will focus on the illumination of the raising of Lazarus from The Saint John’s Bible, and offers participants a chance for their own silent reflection. Each session takes about 30 minutes; all members of the UP community are welcome to participate.

For more information contact Karen Eifler, Garaventa Center, at 8014 or eifler@up.edu.

Bringing Eyes of Faith To Film: “Guardians of the Galaxy”

eiflerOn Wednesday evening, March 18, Garaventa Center co-directors Karen Eifler and Fr. Charlie Gordon, C.S.C., will host Bringing Eyes of Faith to Film, with themes of grace and transcendence highlighted in the popular movie “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The event, which is free and open to all, begins at 7:15 p.m. in Franz Hall room 214, and movie snacks will be provided. For more information contact Eifler at eifler@up.edu.

Come To Thirst Friday, March 20

beer monkAll faculty and staff are invited to enjoy snacks and quaffs of many sorts this Friday, March 20, in the Garaventa Center on the third floor of Franz Hall. Maybe it’s getting through the first week after break, maybe it’s a new publication, or maybe it’s just the pleasure of one another’s agenda-free company; whatever the reason to celebrate or commiserate, stop by any time between 4 and 6 p.m. It’s the final Thirst Friday for this year.

For more information, contact Karen Eifler at eifler@up.edu.