Joliet, Ill. – Join the University of St. Francis (USF) for the next event in the university’s “Our Town: Healing Joliet and Will County through Courageous Conversations” initiative on Wednesday, March 17, as professor Julie Victa leads a book discussion on His Truth is Marching On by Jon Meacham. The event will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. virtually on Zoom. To register for the event, contact USF Director of Institutional Diversity and Title IX Coordinator Allison Heard by email at aheard@stfrancis.edu or by phone at 815-740-5025. The first 50 registrants will receive a free copy of the book (funded through the Healing Illinois grant).
About the Book Discussion
John Lewis was a visionary and a man of faith. He was violently beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge because he was committed to speaking up and out about injustice in America. He was willing to put his life on the line and participate in non-violent tactics, not only as an action but as a philosophy and biblical imperative. This discussion will focus on historical and current events and will be awe-inspiring for people of faith and of all backgrounds who yearn to cling to their better selves in this urgent call to action.
About Julie Victa
Professor Julie Victa has taught political science at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., for over 30 years. During her time at USF, Victa has prepped over 30 courses covering topics including American national government, international relations, and public administration and policy. She has a passion for people and aligns her expertise in politics and government with ensuring systems are inclusive and work for the good of all.
About Our Town: Healing Joliet and Will County through Courageous Conversations
The University of St. Francis (USF) has a rich tradition of being dedicated to the facilitation of healing. Through its foundational connections to Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi, its commitment to anti-racism as evidenced in the university’s Founding Congregation – the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate – and their corporate stance against racism in all its forms, and through its educational programs in the areas of nursing, radiation therapy and other health sciences, USF is dedicated to serving Joliet and the Will County area, especially in times of need. Now in these unprecedented times, USF is stepping forward to help our community heal through a series of events made possible by grant funding awarded through the Illinois Department of Human Services’ “Healing Illinois” Grant Program.
USF’s initiative, “Our Town: Healing Joliet and Will County through Courageous Conversations”, is designed to help the Joliet region’s university to engage residents in dialogue and educational initiatives that result in community understanding and healing of racial and social inequities. “Our Town,” as emphasized by USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., suggests that we must work collaboratively to create the type of community that is life-affirming and one that affords each person equal dignity and respect.
For more information on the following events or to learn of new, upcoming events, visit the Healing Joliet and Will County through Courageous Conversations Facebook page at facebook.com/usfhealingjolietgrant or call USF Director of Institutional Diversity and Title IX Coordinator Allison Heard at 815-740-5025.
For more information on the grant program, visit dhs.state.il.us and search “Healing Illinois Grant”.
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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 51,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.
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