WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE RONNING CENTRE
Happy June!
After record-breaking rainfall across Central Alberta, it has been refreshing to see the landscape come back to life in shades of green. The change in season is evident on campus as well, where the pace of summer offers an opportunity to reflect on the past year while looking ahead to the next.
Over the past few months, we have been fortunate to host several engaging events and meaningful conversations that brought our community together. You will find the recaps below.
Your enthusiasm and engagement help make these conversations possible and contribute to the vibrant community we are proud to be a part of. Thank you for your continued support and participation.
Be good and take it easy,
Joe
Joseph R. Wiebe
Director, Chester Ronning Centre
Associate Professor of Religion and Ecology Faculty Website
Philosopher Cafés
This spring, we hosted two engaging Philosopher Cafés that encouraged thoughtful discussion on timely issues. In April, Dr. Mojtaba Mahdavi offered valuable insight into the political and social forces shaping Iran. His presentation provided an important opportunity for reflection and dialogue in the midst of a rapidly changing international landscape.
On June 3rd, we welcomed Dr. Roger Epp for our final Philosopher Café before the summer break. Epp challenged common assumptions about "rural Alberta" as a political category. Drawing on his extensive experience and research, he explored the complex fault lines running through rural communities and highlighted how many of the most pressing issues facing Albertans—health care, municipal authority, taxation, land use, and environmental policy—are shaped by relationships with the provincial government rather than federal politics. This sparked thoughtful discussion and offered fresh perspectives on Alberta's evolving political landscape.
Hands Off Our Books
We also had the privilege of partnering with the Fellowship of the Camrose Public Library to present Hands Off Our Books, an event aimed at raising awareness about the pressures facing Alberta's public libraries, particularly in light of Bill 28. The sold-out event demonstrated just how important and timely this conversation is for our communities.
The evening began with a panel discussion featuring Kerri Danner and Alyssa Martin, who spoke about the vital role libraries play in supporting education, intellectual freedom, and community connection. Their insights set the stage for a screening of The Librarians, a powerful documentary that examines challenges facing public libraries across North America. The film and discussion fostered meaningful dialogue about the future of public libraries and the potential impacts of legislative change in Alberta.
Advancing Realist Methodologies for Aging in Place
May 26-28, 2026
Dr. Wiebe recently had the privilege of participating in Advancing Realist Methodologies for Aging in Place from a One Health Perspective, a workshop led by Dr. Kaitlyn Tate that brought together researchers, policymakers, and community leaders from Canada and the United Kingdom. The workshop explored how older adults can be better supported to age in place through a One Health lens, recognizing the interconnected relationships between human health, animals, the environment, and social systems.
This Month's Reads & Listens
That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America
By Amanda Jones
Part memoir, part manifesto, the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of our vicious culture wars.
Why More Americans Are Seeking Religion
The Daily
The United States seems to be revisiting the roll of faith. In essence, secularization is on pause
Keep In Touch
We would love to hear your ideas for themes, topics, and issues you would like the Centre to explore in future community conversations. Your suggestions help shape our programming, and we welcome any thoughts or recommendations you may have.
