Mercy College of Health Sciences’ Center for Human Flourishing will host an October Speaker Series with guest speaker, Dr. Russell Hittinger, Honorary Fellow, on Thursday, October 21.
Dr. Hittinger is Professor Emeritus of Religion at the University of Tulsa, Visiting Professor of Theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Senior Fellow at the Lumen Christi Institute at the University of Chicago, and serves there as a Visiting Scholar on the Committee on Social Thought.
In 2001 St. John Paul II appointed Dr. Hittinger to the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas of which he became ordinarius in 2004, and since 2006, he has served on its governing board. In 2009 Pope Benedict XVI appointed him to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences as ordinarius. Dr. Hittinger is one of only two lay academics in the world to be appointed to two pontifical academies. He is also the author of many books including: A Critique of the New Natural Law Theory, The First Grace: Rediscovering Natural Law in a Post-Christian Age, Thomas Aquinas and the Rule of Law, and Paper Wars: Catholic Social Doctrine and the Modern State (forthcoming).
The Center for Human Flourishing’s vision is to advance human flourishing through the study, pursuit, and production of practical wisdom in order to achieve sensible, real-world outcomes which promote the dignity, integrity, self-determination, and personal growth for the individuals and communities we serve.
“We are thrilled to host Dr. Hittinger. In addition to being a long standing mentor to myself among many others, it truly is an honor to have someone with that much experience and wisdom able to share it with the entire Mercy College community,”
stated Bo Bonner, Senior Advisor of Mission Initiatives and Director of the Center for Human Flourishing.
The program's goal is to unite the production of knowledge with research publications, sponsored educational activities, courses, seminars, and conferences, characteristic of institutions of higher learning with Mercy College's dedication to the flourishing of individuals and their communities. Guided by the Sisters of Mercy's emphasis on healing, particularly in the fields of health and education, the Center strives to foster far reaching impacts for our community.
The virtual presentation begins at 6:30 pm and is free and open to the public. Learn more event details.
About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy College prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Mercy College’s liberal arts and sciences education develops compassionate caregivers and leaders. Visit www.mchs.edu or call (515) 643-3180 to learn more.
