Thank you for joining us this year for the January Series!
Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung
January Series 2021
Wednesday, January 6
Underwritten by: Holland Home
Kick-off the 2021 January Series with Calvin’s very own professor of Philosophy, Dr. Rebecca De Young. She just released the 2nd edition of her book, Glittering Vices, which explores why our hearts are captivated by glittery but false substitutes for true human goodness and happiness.
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Matt de la Pena
January Series 2021
Thursday, January 7
Underwritten by: Bruce and Mary Okkema
Join us to hear from New York Times Bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author, Matt de la Pena. de la Pena is the author of seven young adult novels (including Mexican White Boy; We were Here; and Superman: Dawnbreaker) and five picture books (including Love and Last Stop on Market Street). He will be discussing the power of story and why everyone’s story matters.
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William Garvelink
January Series 2021
Friday, January 8
Underwritten by: Jeff and Shirley Hoogstra Family
Ambassador William Garvelink is an American diplomat and former U.S. Ambassador to The Democratic Republic of the Congo. He will speak on the current COVID crisis, lessons learned from Ebola, his experience as a senior diplomat and share why he believes pandemics will continue to be a part of our future.
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Tara Westover
January Series 2021
Monday, January 11
Underwritten by: GMB Architects + Engineering and Howard Miller
Join us for this virtual conversation with Tara Westover, author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Educated. In Educated, Westover recounts overcoming the expectations of her survivalist family in order to go to college and emphasizes the importance of education to enlarging her world. Her book explores her struggle to reconcile her desire to learn with her desire to protect and ultimately sever fierce family loyalty.
Flynn Coleman
January Series 2021
Tuesday, January 12
Underwritten by: Miller Johnson
Flynn Coleman is a writer, international human rights attorney, public speaker, professor, and social innovator. She is the author of the book, A Human Algorithm, a groundbreaking narrative on the urgency of ethically designed AI and a guidebook to reimagining life in the era of intelligent technology. Join us for her presentation on The Future of AI.
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Danielle Allen
January Series 2021
Wednesday, January 13
Underwritten by: Howard Miller
Danielle Allen is an American classicist and political scientist. She is the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University, where she is also the Director of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics. She is also the principal investigator for the Democratic Knowledge Project, which seeks to identify, strengthen, and disseminate the bodies of knowledge, skills, and capacities that democratic citizens need in order to succeed at operating their democracy. Join us for a conversation on the future of democracy.
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Jeffrey Rosen
January Series 2021
Thursday, January 14
Underwritten by: Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation and the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity & Politics
Jeffrey Rosen is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Constitution Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the U.S. Constitution. Join us for his presentation on the Future of the Supreme Court.
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Andy Crouch
January Series 2021
Friday, January 15
Underwritten by: Covenant Living of the Great Lakes
Andy Crouch is partner for theology and culture at Praxis, an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship. His two most recent books—2017's The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place and 2016's Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing—build on the vision of faith, culture, and the image of God laid out in his previous books Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power and Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling. Join us for Crouch's discussion on the limits of technology and the hope he has for a more personal world.
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Jemar Tisby
January Series 2021
Monday, January 18
Underwritten by: Stob Lecture Series
In celebration of MLK Day, we will be hearing from Jemar Tisby, author of the award-winning book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church’s Complicity in Racism. Tisby is an author, speaker, and president of The Witness: A Black Christian collective, where he writes about race, religion, and culture. He also co-hosts the podcast “Pass the Mic,” which amplifies dynamic voices for a diverse church.
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Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
January Series 2021
Tuesday, January 19
Underwritten by: Calvin Center for Innovation in Business
The beloved host of the NBC hit show American Ninja Warrior and former NFL player, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, will discuss topics from his book, Everyone Can Be a Ninja. In it, he draws inspiration from both the fierce competitors on his show and his own unlikely path to success and outlines the essential steps to overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.
Peter O'Connor
January Series 2021
Wednesday, January 20
Underwritten by: Bill & Diane Ryckbost, Tanya & Chuck Stone, Dr. Steve & Sue Dood and Dood Family Members
Join us in hearing from Peter O’Connor, director of the Centre for Arts and Social Transformation at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Professor O’Connor is an internationally recognized expert in making and researching applied theatre and drama education. He will share the important role the arts play in healing trauma.
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Bruce Feiler
January Series 2021
Thursday, January 21
Underwritten by: Barnes & Thornburg, LLP and Samaritas
A six-time New York Times bestseller and author of Life is in the Transitions, Mastering Change at Any Age, Bruce Feiler has shared his unique insights and wisdom with audiences throughout the world. His life story and those of hundreds of others he has gathered in his book will inspire us all on our journey as we navigate our own lifequakes.
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Katharine Hayhoe
January Series 2021
Friday, January 22
Underwritten by: Larry and Mary Gerbens & Liza and Khan Nedd
Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist who studies climate change and an evangelical Christian. She is passionate about bridging the broad, deep gap between scientists and Christians and says the key to having a real discussion is to connect over shared values like family, community, and faith.
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John Manzella
January Series 2021
Monday, January 25
Underwritten by: I.C.N. Foundation
John Manzella is a world-recognized speaker, author, and nationally syndicated columnist on global business, trade policy, labor, and the latest economic trends. Join us to hear from John on the current economic trends and what he anticipates for the future.
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Scott Sauls
January Series 2021
Tuesday, January 26
Underwritten by: Center for Excellence in Preaching and Holland Litho Printing Services
Join us as we complete this year’s January Series with a presentation from Scott Sauls, senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church of Nashville. He will be discussing themes from his latest book, A Gentle Answer: Our ‘Secret Weapon’ in an Age of Us Against Them.
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