Speaking to a packed audience of nearly 300 guests, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Paul Kengor visited Walsh University on Monday, Oct. 22, to present his research on the historical collaboration detailed in his book "A Pope and a President."
Hosted by the Renacci Center for Civic Engagement and with support from the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Giving Society, the audience consisted of community members, local officials, faculty and Walsh students. By hosting events and guests such as Dr. Kengor, the Renacci Center seeks to provide a forum for debate, discussion and engagement on local, state, national, and international issues. This special event that included a VIP Reception with the author, was organized by Walsh to officially commemorate the Feast Day of Saint John Paul II.
"We here at the University are inspired by the legacy of Pope John Paul II and even named our Center for Science Innovation in his honor, a space where we celebrate the intersection of faith and reason," said Walsh University President Richard Jusseaume. "Saint John Paul II’s determination and global collaboration brought forth freedom, faith and hope to places that had been plunged into great darkness. It is fitting that on this feast day we honor John Paul’s legacy through intellectual discourse with a speaker who captured the very essence of the life and the work of the saint."
Dr. Kengor has focused much of his work on Ronald Reagan, faith and the presidency, conservative politics, the Cold War, the communist movement and Catholicism. He is a New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including "A Pope and a President: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the 20th Century."
"John Paul II and Ronald Reagan answered the call," said Dr. Kengor. "They chose the side of good. They came together on the battlefield. And they rewrote the ending of the story of the 20th century."
Dr. Kengor is a professor of political science at Grove City College and executive director of The Center for Vision and Values, a Grove City College think tank/policy center. He is also a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace at Stanford University.
"When thinking of a speaker for this evening, we thought 'who could we invite that intersects faith and civic engagement?’" said Associate Vice President for Strategy and Planning and Co-Director of the Renacci Center for Civic Engagement Derrick Wyman. "Dr. Kengor brings to life the legacy of Saint John Paul II and has written on the subject of individuals whom throughout their faith and civic leadership, have led societal movements throughout our world."
A video of Dr. Kengor's presentation is available on the Walsh University YouTube channel.