Character Explorations

Interfaith friendship is key to breaking down barriers of hostility and distrust between Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Bonnie Sue Lewis calls for courageous compassion and creation of “sacred spaces” to welcome others into our lives. Practicing hospitality and an openness to the Other is not only fundamental to all three faith traditions, but enabled only through the God who first welcomed us and...

In the months and years following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, suspicion and fear reigned in the U.S. Roger Ebertz shares the story of two Americans: Herbert Inouye, a young Japanese-American man, and Ralph L. Carr, Governor of Colorado to provide a historical example of how a political leader can respond with courageous compassion in a time of great national fear.   Featuring: Roger...

The desire to share our lives with the world to avoid the feeling of missing out has led to a growing crisis of identity as people look to social influencers as models to imitate; this allows the normalization of following the influencer, rather than considering our own individuality, our own values, and our own character. Molly Hein shares the good news that there are steps we can take to find ou...

Science practiced with integrity can illuminate a pathway through the crisis of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Several important questions have arisen about how best to manage, treat, and live with COVID-19. Ken Turner examines responses by scientists as he considers the question, “Was there integrity?” Featuring Ken Turner, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward,...

Does the truth matter anymore? Mary Emily Briehl Duba argues, not only does the truth matter, but telling the truth is the first necessary step toward facing well the numerous crises of our day, from a global pandemic to climate change.   Featuring Mary Emily Briehl Duba, Assistant Professor of Theology at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character...

What changes if the author of a text is a model of bad character? Today’s guests pondered separating authors’ personal lives from their work, considered whether the culture and age an author lived in matter, and discussed how to respond with compassion. Moderated by Michele McKinlay, Assistant Professor of Literature at the University of Dubuque. Featuring Jonathan Barz, Professor of Literature at...

The transition to A.I. decision-making raises ethical issues. Ann Mauss argues for including virtue and transparency in the development of algorithms.   Featuring Ann Mauss, Associate Professor of Computer Studies at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque   For more on this topic, read Ann Mauss’ art...

James Romagna explores the common experience of transitions for athletes and coaches, noting the power of ritual to move participants in positive directions.   Featuring James Romagna, Assistant Professor of Health, Wellness and Sport at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque   For more on this topic...

Jeffrey A. Haverland's experience with a recent transition leads to key strategies for resilience.   Featuring Jeffrey A. Haverland, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque   For more on this topic, read Jeffrey A. Haverland’s article " Life in Transition: U...

Transitions are common to human experience. How we navigate them impacts our character. This episode serves as an introduction to our interviews with the authors of articles published in Character and . . . Transitions , volume 7 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .   Featuring Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the Un...

The ability of nature to nurture character formation is under-examined. Adam Hoffman posits that nature can teach us to care for the natural world, appreciate diversity, pursue environmental justice, and cultivate the virtues of gratitude and contentment.   Featuring Adam Hoffman, Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the W...

Mary Bryant addresses the problem of homesickness, particularly at college. Promoting educational practices that encourage virtue and character development contribute to the antidote. Featuring Mary Bryant, Assistant Director of Programming & Media of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the Univ...

Andrew Jones speaks about the loss of community character through globalization. By embracing the ideas and practices of the “local” movement, we begin to develop character, strengthening our communities as places to model authenticity and integrity. Featuring Andrew Jones, Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of th...

The practice of hospitality happens in various places but we shouldn't aspire for perfection. Peg Kerr explores hospitality, with an emphasis on the Christian and moral imperative to make our homes places to serve and welcome others.   Featuring Peg Kerr, Professor of Nursing at the University of Dubuque Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the Universit...

How does moral character relate to our identity and our belonging to a place? What does it mean to have a place of home? Does character shape those places? This episode serves as an introduction to our next four episodes, interviews with the authors of articles published in Character and . . . the Places of Home , volume 4 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and...