The Hastings College Vocation and Values Program is now the Center for Vocation, Faith and Service. The new center will officially launch with a series of speaking events Sept. 21-23. Events are free and open to the public.

September 21, 7 p.m., French Memorial Chapel
Suzanne Farnham of Listening Hearts Ministries will give a campus-wide talk on discernment and vocational renewal. Learn about listening for God’s will in community.

September 23, 7 p.m., French Memorial Chapel
Rev. Dr. William Schulz, former president of Amnesty International, will give a campus-wide talk about the international human rights challenges and our place in them as a community and a country.

For eight years, the Vocation and Values Program was generously funded through grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc. The successful completion of that grant support, effective the end of this calendar year, has brought about the program’s transition to a permanent, new center on the Hastings College campus.

Rev. Dr. Carter Aikin, former director of the Vocation and Values Program, is now director of the new center. He is an assistant professor of religion and philosophy at Hastings College.

“Hastings College has committed to supporting reflective service and Christian Ministry among its students,” Dr. Carter Aikin said. “We will continue to offer many of the vital programs we’ve always had. Thanks to the support of faithful congregations, generous donors, strong commitment from HC administration, and God’s grace, we are deeply grateful to have the chance to continue this fine work.”

The Hastings College Vocation and Values Program encouraged students to think deeply about the ethical and spiritual dimensions of their life’s work, and to consider careers in service and in ministry among Great Plains churches. Since 2004, HC students have served more than 100,000 hours locally and around the world.

Hastings College was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its exemplary community service, innovative service-learning programs and demonstrated commitment to strengthening the community.
Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,150 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

For more information, contact Dr. Carter Aikin at (402) 461-7769.