The University of Saint Francis is kicking off a new, free lecture series today with a discussion on “The Future of Nursing.”
The lecture is the first of its kind to be held in the university’s Performing Arts Center, the former Scottish Rite Center at 431 W. Berry St.
Officials say the lectures, which will be conducted periodically, will focus on the “future of” various issues or challenges related to Northeast Indiana.
“As a liberal arts institution, we believe we invite a deeper conversation on many topics,” Associate Vice President of Marketing Trois Hart said. “We are focusing this on things that impact our community.”
The first lecture will feature local, state and national perspectives on the importance and direction of the nursing profession, according to officials. Panelists also will discuss information provided by a recent report published by the Institute of Medicine.
Nursing professionals can earn two hours of continuing education by attending the presentation, which is also sponsored by Parkview Health, Lutheran Health Network and the Franciscan Alliance.
Hart said the next “future of” lecture will likely be tied to the school’s CEO forum in October.
“We don’t want to force a schedule,” she said. “We want to make sure we have a high interest. As time goes on, we’ll increase the number of them.”
The University of Saint Francis took possession of the downtown venue in January, renaming it the USF Performing Arts Center. School officials said the university paid $1.3 million for the building, which was built in 1925.
The 82,672-square-foot Performing Arts Center will house Saint Francis’ new Media Entrepreneurship Training in the Arts – or META – program and also will be available for public bookings.
About 2,000 people can fit into the building’s auditorium, Hart said.
Although tickets for the lectures are free, Hart said people will be required to register at the Performing Arts Center.
