Å·ÃÀÊÓƵ will present an on-campus symposium to address challenges in childhood development and education and explore solutions to enhance civic engagement on Wednesday, Sept. 18. 

“Nurturing Children for Civic Engagement” is the theme of this year’s Faith, Reason, and World Affairs Symposium. 

The event will highlight national research and expert perspectives, while also emphasizing a strong regional focus, providing participants with actionable insights.

, longtime NPR education reporter and author of “The Stolen Year: How COVID Changed Children’s Lives, and Where We Go Now,” will speak at 10:30 a.m. in Memorial Auditorium. With audiences, Kamenetz explores the long-term implications of the pandemic for schools, colleges, businesses, and employees. She also traces the many links between the pandemic, the “Great Resignation,” and the growing realization that building diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environments is critical to economic growth and a resilient American workforce.

At 3 p.m., a panel discussion titled “Engaged Leadership: The Joys and Challenges of Leadership in Youth-Serving Organizations,” will be held in Memorial Auditorium. The panel will feature regional advocates and experts:

• Mary Jean Dehne, executive director of
• Jennifer Soupir-Fremstad, assistant director of human capital, Fargo Public Schools 
• Andrea Richards, director of behavioral health and wellness, West Fargo Public Schools 
• Chris Tiongson, M.D., Pediatrics/Sanford Children’s, Fargo, and chair/clinical professor, Residency Program director at University of North Dakota Pediatrics 
• J’Neil Gibson, founder of through and co-director of  

Across campus, breakout sessions on related topics will be from 1-1:45 p.m. and 2-2:45 p.m. Topics include gun violence, ADHD, juvenile justice systems and mental health support for athletes.

All sessions for the symposium are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule, visit ConcordiaCollege.edu/Symposium.