Character Explorations: Recent Episodes
Wendt Center for Character Education
The Wendt Character Initiative promotes a culture of excellent moral character and lives of purpose. Join us as we explore current issues, seeking to uncover the moral character dimensions of the matter and illuminate how striving for excellent moral character contributes to solutions.
What does being a good citizen look like for a public servant? In this episode, Shea Chapin and Vladimir Hudson explore the meaning of citizenship and virtues that aid in public service.
Featuring Shea Chapin, Assistant Professor of Law, and Vladimir Hudson, a senior Flight Operations major at the University of Dubuque
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
How do we engage with the political sphere in a meaningful way? In this episode, Adam Smith and Chloe Breitbach discuss voting, civic virtue, and the difference between spectating and participating in politics.
Featuring Adam Smith, Professor of Political Philosophy talking with Chloe Breitbach, a first-year student majoring in Human Health Science at the University of Dubuque.
You can read Adam Smith’s essay, “The Strenuous Life,” referenced in the episode here.
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
What responsibilities do citizens have in the United States of America? Are there certain virtues that lead someone to be more responsible as a citizen? In this episode, Adam Hoffman and Jackson Drobac explore civic virtues and the actions that good citizens take to support the common good.
Featuring Adam Hoffman, Professor of Environmental Chemistry, and Jackson Drobac, First-year Biology Student at the University of Dubuque.
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
The rise of the internet has impacted the way we mourn in ways that may be beneficial in some cases and harmful in others. In this episode, Daniel Fleming argues that, however we choose to mourn online, paying attention to ourselves and others is essential to mourning well.
Featuring Daniel P. Fleming, Assistant Professor of Computer Studies at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director Emerita of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Daniel P. Fleming’s article, "Attention and Digital Mourning," from Character and . . . Inevitability, volume 10 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
The deaths of love ones can lead us into despair if we do not find a way to find focus on hope and positivity. In this episode, Dale Easley discusses how storytelling can help us navigate our grief and create meaning around loved one’s deaths, so that we can move forward in hope.
Featuring Dale H. Easley, Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director Emerita of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Dale H. Easley’s article, "The Inevitability of Dying," from Character and . . . Inevitability, volume 10 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Aging is an inevitable part of life. In this episode, Katie Boyer discusses how we can embrace the process of aging and make choices that support our well-being during any stage of life.
Featuring Katie E. Boyer, Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director Emerita of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Katie E. Boyer’s article, "Aging Well," from Character and . . . Inevitability, volume 10 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
The abundance of contradictory and even misleading information about climate can lead to dismay and apathy on a grand scale. In this episode, Donovan Tann suggests that using our imaginations to create a new story about climate will allow us to get over the hump of despair and into collective action.
Featuring Donovan E. Tann, Professor of English at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director Emerita of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Donovan E. Tann’s article, "Beyond Inevitability: Telling Another Story about Climate," from Character and . . . Inevitability, volume 10 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
What does it mean to parent with integrity within a digital environment? In this episode, Jenn Supple discusses issues that parents should reflect on before posting about their children on social media, including concerns about disclosure, boundaries, identity, and authenticity.
Featuring Jenn Supple, Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Jenn Supple’s article, "Parents’ Growing Pains on Social Media: Modeling Authenticity," from Character and . . . Social Media, volume 1 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Suspending our disbelief in reading scripture puts us in touch with the Author God. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Timothy Matthew Slemmons suggests that reading the Bible with an open mind and heart can be a transformative experience, revealing both God and ourselves to us in unexpected ways.
Featuring Timothy Matthew Slemmons, Professor of Homiletics and Worship at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Timothy Matthew Slemmons’ article, "Co-Authoring Your Story in Light of God's Epic: Human Identity and the Divine Word," from Character and . . . Identity, volume 6 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Today’s guest is Rev. Gregory Drumwright, public theologian, civil rights activist, and minister to George Floyd’s family during the Chauvin trial. Rev. Drumwright shares about his journey and purpose, and challenges us to cling to hope and God in the pursuit of justice.
Featuring Rev. Gregory Drumwright, founder of Justice 4 the Next Generation and pastor to the Citadel Church in Greensboro, North Carolina
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
Follow Rev. Drumwright @gregdrumwright.
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Today’s guests discuss the roles that the church and individuals play in bridging political divides. Featuring Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton, Founder and Executive Director of House United, with Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw, Associate Professor of Ministry at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Playfulness can be serious business, Brian Hallstoos asserts in this episode, pointing to century-old publications from the University of Dubuque. By engaging in “playful play,” Black student Sol Butler made friends in the early 1900s and helped build a campus community that was less likely to express and tolerate anti-Black racism. Yet photographs and text also point to the limits of playfulness in combatting hate.
Featuring Brian Hallstoos, Associate Professor of History at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Brian Hallstoos’s article, "Defusing Racism: Olympian Sol Butler’s Serious Playfulness," from Character and . . . Play, volume 9 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Contemporary scientific culture has evolved to focus on productivity, which often disincentivizes play. Yet, as Adam J. Kleinschmit discusses in this episode, play is a central element of curiosity-driven discovery science because it stimulates new ways of thinking and encourages the creative combination of ideas in novel ways. The external incentives that drive productivity culture can also adversely impact character virtues and lead scientists to compromise their integrity. Creating greater capacity to unleash the playful spirit of scientists has the potential to strengthen science as an institution and provide tangible benefits for greater societal good.
Featuring Adam J. Kleinschmit, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Adam J. Kleinschmit’s article, "Transformative Discovery Science: Character and Play as Key Elements" from Character and . . . Play, volume 9 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Flourishing as communities and individuals requires well-being in a variety of areas so that we thrive and grow toward our human potential. In this episode, Mary K. Bryant discusses how, if we engage with games in responsible and thoughtful ways, playing games can contribute significantly to our flourishing.
Featuring Mary K. Bryant, Director of Media and Programming for the Wendt Center for Character Education at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Mary K. Bryant’s article, "Gameplay and Human Flourishing," from Character and . . . Play, volume 9 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Performance, at its best, is a gift of play and hospitality. In this episode, Prof. Kristen Eby discusses the various responsibilities of both performer and audience to ensure a hospitable space that encourages an optimal, communal artistic experience.
Featuring Kristen Eby, Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Kristen Eby’s article, "Performance, Play, and Hospitality" from Character and . . . Play, volume 9 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Does your capacity to “pay attention” have anything to do with your moral character? What does studying for exams have to do with becoming a good person? In this episode, Dr. Adam Smith argues that these things are connected: paying attention is about getting comfortable with uncomfortable things, and this “comfort with discomfort” is a mark of good character.
Featuring Adam Benjamin Smith, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Adam Benjamin Smith’s article, "Discomfort, Attention, and Character," from Character and . . . Discomfort, volume 5 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
When we serve the community, it is important to identify what is motivating us. Is it that we are trying to feel good about ourselves? Or to actually accomplish something good? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw considers society’s pursuit of comfort through the lens of service trips, and encourages re-centering so that we act out of love rather than self-affirmation. Paradoxically, when we are willing to get out of our comfort zone, then we are truly able to grow into who we are created to be.
Featuring Beth Lindquist McCaw, Associate Professor of Ministry at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Beth Lindquist McCaw’s article, "The Oxymoron of ‘My Comfort Zone’," from Character and . . . Discomfort, volume 5 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
The move to living more of our lives on our screens presents us with charitable opportunities online. Helping others through microfinance may make a positive impact, but sometimes aspects of online lending programs that are invisible to us negatively impact borrowers. In this episode, Dr. Franklin Yartey discusses the need for responsible lending and provides guidelines for lending intelligently and responsibly online.
Featuring Franklin Yartey, Professor of Communication at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Franklin Yartey’s article, "Screen Lending through Microfinance: the Fearless Integrity of Helping Others," from Character and . . . Screen Life, volume 3 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
American’s daily interactions increasingly happen online. Many of the services we use are available for free, but the convenience of using them often comes with a cost we don’t fully appreciate. In this episode, Sarah Slaughter examines concerns about data collection and suggests strategies for managing privacy online in ways that reflect integrity and good character.
Featuring Sarah Slaughter, Reference and Instruction Librarian at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Sarah Slaughter’s article, "Character and Privacy: The Cost of Convenience," from Character and . . . Screen Life, volume 3 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
One of the first augmented reality apps to take off with the general public in 2016, Pokémon Go continues to entertain its loyal fans—and both the benefits and concerns over health and safety remain relevant. In this episode, Rafic Sinno considers the moral responsibilities of both game consumers and designers to work against the addictive aspects of such technologies.
Featuring Rafic Sinno, Associate Professor of Business at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Rafic Sinno’s article, "Navigating a Pokémon Go World," from Character and . . . Screen Life, volume 3 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Humans enjoy stories, so it is not surprising that binge-watching shows has grown into a common pastime. Media marathoners breeze through entire seasons in under a week, use stories to work through issues vicariously, and often form communities around new series. But binge-watching can also lead to lost time living our own stories and developing our character. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Susan Forshey explores binge-watching, its positive and negative effects, and offers suggestions for balancing life and watching habits.
Featuring Susan L. Forshey, Associate Professor of Christian Discipleship at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Susan Forshey’s article, "Consuming Stories Not Our Own: On #Showholes and Character in the Age of Binge-Watching," from Character and . . . Screen Life, volume 3 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Through the power of story, we can come to know those who are remote to us in ways that engage our compassion. Drawing from the novel, The Outsiders, Jonathan Barz provides a working definition of “courageous compassion” and argues that this character quality must shape our responses to the immigration crisis.
Featuring Jonathan Barz, Professor of English at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Jonathan Barz’s article, "Outsiders and Insiders: Courageous Compassion and the Immigration Crisis," from Character and . . . Courageous Compassion, volume 2 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
When we are confronted with suffering, both locally and globally, we often experience a desire to do something. To determine a way forward, we should consider how we can channel that desire into a habit of responding to suffering in ways that alleviate the immediate need as well as work to end the root causes of suffering.
Featuring Christine Darr, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Christine Darr’s article, "Courageous Compassion: Cultivating Virtue in a Complicated World," from Character and . . . Courageous Compassion, volume 2 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Disagreements among people are a natural part of the human experience. But when we lose sight of what we are arguing for or who we are arguing with, disagreements can have larger, longer-lasting effects. Media, leadership, and bias all influence our perception of issues and those who disagree with us, a concern which can lead to critical rifts in society, as well as emotional and physical effects on our individual health. A focus on character virtues will help us mend the crisis and keep us—as a society and as individuals—healthy despite our differences.
Featuring Josh Thomas, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Josh Thomas’s article, "Healing a Fractured World," from Character and . . . Crisis, volume 8 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
No workplace is perfect, but anyone with co-workers knows that office culture is the difference between a job that you love and a place that you dread! Toxic workplaces can make the most dedicated employee lose productivity, disengage from the culture, and even leave the company. Extreme cases of a toxic culture sometimes lead to the end of the organization. Understanding the characteristics of a toxic employee or workplace can help identify the issues and work toward fixing the problem. People of good character can employ a variety of strategies to remedy the situation.
Featuring Michelle A. Grace, Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Michelle A. Grace’s article, "Character and Crisis: Toxic Workplaces and Culture Change," from Character and . . . Crisis, volume 8 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Interfaith friendship is key to breaking down barriers of hostility and distrust between Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Bonnie Sue Lewis calls for courageous compassion and creation of “sacred spaces” to welcome others into our lives. Practicing hospitality and an openness to the Other is not only fundamental to all three faith traditions, but enabled only through the God who first welcomed us and by whose grace and mercy we draw strength to love and serve one another. Interfaith friendships begin with making room for God.
Featuring:
Bonnie Sue Lewis, Professor Emerita of Mission and World Christianity at the University of Dubuque
Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Bonnie Sue Lewis’s article, “Courageous Compassion and Interfaith Friendship,” which appeared in Character and . . . Courageous Compassion, volume 2 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
In the months and years following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, suspicion and fear reigned in the U.S. Roger Ebertz shares the story of two Americans: Herbert Inouye, a young Japanese-American man, and Ralph L. Carr, Governor of Colorado to provide a historical example of how a political leader can respond with courageous compassion in a time of great national fear.
Featuring:
Roger Ebertz, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dubuque
Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Roger Ebertz’s article,"Courageous Compassion in a Time of Terror,” which appeared in Character and . . . Courageous Compassion, volume 2 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
The desire to share our lives with the world to avoid the feeling of missing out has led to a growing crisis of identity as people look to social influencers as models to imitate; this allows the normalization of following the influencer, rather than considering our own individuality, our own values, and our own character. Molly Hein shares the good news that there are steps we can take to find our way back to focusing on our individual identity.
Featuring Molly Hein, Assistant Professor of Business at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode comes from Molly Hein’s upcoming article, "Social Influencers: FOMO and Identity Crisis," from Character and . . . Crisis, volume 8 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . . Watch for the article to come out in fall 2022.
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Science practiced with integrity can illuminate a pathway through the crisis of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Several important questions have arisen about how best to manage, treat, and live with COVID-19. Ken Turner examines responses by scientists as he considers the question, “Was there integrity?”
Featuring Ken Turner, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
The content in this episode is based on Ken Turner's upcoming article "Science and Integrity: A Pandemic Lens" from Character and . . . Crisis, volume 8 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . . Watch for the article to come out in fall 2022.
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Does the truth matter anymore? Mary Emily Briehl Duba argues, not only does the truth matter, but telling the truth is the first necessary step toward facing well the numerous crises of our day, from a global pandemic to climate change.
Featuring Mary Emily Briehl Duba, Assistant Professor of Theology at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Mary Emily Briehl Duba’s article “Does the Truth Matter? Truth-Telling as Resistance and Hope in a Post-Truth Era,” which appeared in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
What changes if the author of a text is a model of bad character? Today’s guests pondered separating authors’ personal lives from their work, considered whether the culture and age an author lived in matter, and discussed how to respond with compassion.
Moderated by Michele McKinlay, Assistant Professor of Literature at the University of Dubuque. Featuring Jonathan Barz, Professor of Literature at the University of Dubuque, and Katrina Owensby, undergraduate student at the University of Dubuque.
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
The transition to A.I. decision-making raises ethical issues. Ann Mauss argues for including virtue and transparency in the development of algorithms.
Featuring Ann Mauss, Associate Professor of Computer Studies at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Ann Mauss’ article "Stepping over the Brink into Artificial Intelligence," which appeared in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
James Romagna explores the common experience of transitions for athletes and coaches, noting the power of ritual to move participants in positive directions.
Featuring James Romagna, Assistant Professor of Health, Wellness and Sport at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read James Romagna’s article "Ritual in Sports: Transition and Transformation," which appeared in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Jeffrey A. Haverland's experience with a recent transition leads to key strategies for resilience.
Featuring Jeffrey A. Haverland, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Jeffrey A. Haverland’s article "Life in Transition: Using Reflection and Gratitude to Discover Hope, Optimism, and Resilience," which appeared in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Transitions are common to human experience. How we navigate them impacts our character. This episode serves as an introduction to our interviews with the authors of articles published in Character and . . . Transitions, volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Featuring Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
The ability of nature to nurture character formation is under-examined. Adam Hoffman posits that nature can teach us to care for the natural world, appreciate diversity, pursue environmental justice, and cultivate the virtues of gratitude and contentment.
Featuring Adam Hoffman, Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Adam Hoffman's article "The Nurture of Nature: Developing Character Virtues," which appeared in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Mary Bryant addresses the problem of homesickness, particularly at college. Promoting educational practices that encourage virtue and character development contribute to the antidote.
Featuring Mary Bryant, Assistant Director of Programming & Media of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Pam Crawford and Mary Bryant’s article "Homesickness Goes to College: Virtues, Vocation, and Growth," which appeared in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
Andrew Jones speaks about the loss of community character through globalization. By embracing the ideas and practices of the “local” movement, we begin to develop character, strengthening our communities as places to model authenticity and integrity.
Featuring Andrew Jones, Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Andrew Jones’ article "Localized Character: Building Community and Modeling Authenticity and Integrity," which appeared in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
The practice of hospitality happens in various places but we shouldn't aspire for perfection. Peg Kerr explores hospitality, with an emphasis on the Christian and moral imperative to make our homes places to serve and welcome others.
Featuring Peg Kerr, Professor of Nursing at the University of Dubuque
Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
For more on this topic, read Peg Kerr’s article "The Hospitality of Homemaking," which appeared in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.
How does moral character relate to our identity and our belonging to a place? What does it mean to have a place of home? Does character shape those places? This episode serves as an introduction to our next four episodes, interviews with the authors of articles published in Character and . . . the Places of Home, volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .
Featuring Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque
Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.