The Rocky Mountain Collegian

An exciting research opportunity awaits Saint Louis University undergraduates. A research symposium will take place the weekend of Nov. 19-20. The conference, sponsored by the theology club, the VOICES program, the Department of Theology and the Manresa Program will discuss Christian marriage and the family and related issues.

"There just aren't enough undergraduate research opportunities for students," said conference coordinator and SLU senior Nathan Byrd, who first discussed the concept with Dan Finucane, S.J. "We also decided that relationships, marriage, family and sex are the most important issues in the new century, and they need to be talked about."

The conference will include a keynote speaker, faculty presentations and between nine and 12 undergraduate students presenting their research.

"There will also be breakout sessions for students to discuss these issues and not just listen to presentations," Byrd said.

Students from other institutions, such as the University of Dayton, are invited to participate in this conference as well. So far, there are confirmed participants coming from Loyola University Chicago and the University of Notre Dame.

The keynote speaker for this conference will be Professor Paulinus Odozor from the University of Notre Dame. Odozor has conducted a great deal of research on African marriage. He will speak about how his studies relate to the Christian church and to modern times.

SLU theology professor Julie Rubio, Ph.D., will also be presenting at the conference. Finucane will serve as the moderator for the discussion.

The conference is scheduled to begin the morning of Nov. 19 in the Humanities building and is planned to end at 2 p.m. the next day. A reception will also be held the night of Nov. 18 for out-of-town guests. Students are not required to present information in order to attend this conference, and all undergraduate students are encouraged to get involved in the event in some manner.

"We still need presenters, people to host out-of-town students, breakout session leaders, as well as attendees," Byrd said.

Anyone who is interested should contact Byrd at byrdnj@slu.edu.

"It's not just for theology students, it's for students all across the board. I think it will be a great opportunity to get together and discuss some of these things," Byrd said.

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