Walsh University celebrated the official opening of the James B. Renacci Forum and Center for Civic Engagement with a special event on Thursday, April 6. Following the reception, U.S. Representative Jim Renacci and the Honorable Judge Sara Lioi, Chair of the Walsh Board of Directors, participated in a Q&A session for the more than 150 people in attendance.
Canton Repository, April 6: Renacci Opens Center for Civic Engagement on Walsh Campus
Walsh University's James B. Renacci Forum and Center for Civic Engagement serves as a central gathering space in the Marlene and Joe Toot Global Learning Center, offering students a place to come together for significant, action-oriented dialogue on issues facing our local, state and global communities. In addition, Renacci was instrumental in the establishment of the Renacci Government Scholars Program in 2013. Both were made possible through a personal gift to Walsh from Jim Renacci.
The Forum houses the following programs:
- Renacci Center for Civic Engagement
- The Gary & Linda Byers Family Institute for Community Health
- The Food Design Institute
- The Blouin Global Scholars Program
- The Leaders in Social Justice Learning Community
Upcoming programming will include:
- April 9 the North Canton City Council will host its regularly scheduled council meeting in the Renacci Forum
- On October 22 Paul Kengor, author of "A Pope and President," will explore the role of Saint John Paul II, the Fall of Communism and the role of the Catholic Church
- Fall 2018 course titled "Christianity, Communism and Capitalism" will be taught by Dr. Matt Akers and Dr. Donald Wallenfang to explore through theological, historical and political perspectives how the Church has impacted and has been impacted by these economic and social systems.