Desiderius Erasmus was the intellectual rockstar of 16th-century Europe. Keynote speaker Dr. Greta Kroeker, along with students, professors and librarians, explore the influence of Erasmus on the Anabaptist movement, his ongoing relevance, and the value of preserving physical volumes. In the spirit of Erasmus’ use of new technology (printing), this in-person and virtual symposium connects participants with each other and Erasmus’ rare books at Mennonite institutions across Canada and the United States. Sponsored by the Marpeck Deans’ Fund.
Old Books Made New:
The Surprising Wisdom of Erasmus for Today
An Intercollegiate Symposium
Bethel College, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Conrad Grebel University College, TBA
Eastern Mennonite University, Library 303
Goshen College, Newcomer 19
Friday, Nov. 4:
6:30 p.m. CST/7:30 EST
- Introduction to the symposium – Dale Schrag, Bethel College
- Keynote address, “Erasmus for Our Age” – Dr. Greta Kroeker, University of Waterloo
- Audience Q&A and discussion
Saturday, Nov. 5:
8:30 a.m. CST/9:30 EST
- Rare book show-and tell at each location
9 CST/10 EST
- Student presentations on specific library Erasmus holdings
- Emma Beachy, Bethel College
- Olivia Krall, Goshen College
- Emily Strzelecki, Goshen College
- Rachel Zehr, Conrad Grebel University College
- Ariel Morales Bonilla, EMU
- Q&A and discussion led by Dale Schrag
11:15 CST/12:15 EST
- Lunch break
12:15 CST/1:15 EST
- Roundtable 1: The Contemporary Relevance of Erasmus
- A conversation with Dr. Kroeker and faculty
- Nancy Heisy, professor emeritus of Bible and religion, EMU
- Chris Huebner, associate professor of theology and philosophy, Canadian Mennonite University
- Mark Jantzen, professor of history, Bethel College
- Gerald J. Mast, professor of communication, Bluffton University
- David Neufeld, assistant professor of history, Conrad Grebel/University of Waterloo
- Breanna J. Nickel, assistant professor of Bible and religion, Goshen College
1:15 CST /2:15 EST
- Roundtable 2: The Future of Rare Books and Libraries in a Digital Age: A conversation with Dr. Kroeker and librarians
- Karl Stutzman, AMBS
- John Thiesen, Bethel College
- Simone Horst, EMU
- Marci Frederick, EMU
- Joe Springer, Goshen College
- Carrie Phillips, Bluffton University
2 CST/3 EST
- Brief closing comments, and Erasmians dismissed