The president of Australia’s only liberal arts college will visit Perth next month as he travels around the country as part of the ‘Core Conversation Tour’.
Dr Ryan Messmore, president of Campion College in Sydney, told The Record the purpose of the tour is to “allow people to experience a different approach to education and to learn more about Campion College”.
“This event is structured to help people get a taste of what small, tutorial-based learning in the liberal arts is all about,” he said.
“We are bringing a taste of the liberal arts at Campion College to living rooms around the country. During each event, couples will be invited to discuss a brief reading in a small group seminar environment.”
The tour begins in Brisbane on September 26, before the October 3 event in Perth, then moves onto Melbourne (October 31) and Adelaide (November 6). The college is also planning events in Sydney, Canberra and Albury.
Since opening in 2006, Campion has produced 83 graduates, and is gradually gaining more exposure around Australia.
“We have made important strides in raising awareness of the college; however, when it comes to tertiary education, I still think Campion remains the best kept secret in the country,” Dr Messmore said.
The Perth event, which is primarily aimed at parents of prospective students, will commence with a guided, seminar-style conversation about a scene from CS Lewis’ classic The Chronicles of Narnia, enjoyed over wine and cheese.
Dr Messmore will lead the discussion before speaking to those present about the experience of studying the three-year liberal arts degree at Campion.
The evening will conclude with a question and answer session.
Dr Messmore said he hoped the Narnia discussion would be stimulating for those who attend and a good reflection of what studying at Campion is like.
“The particular scene we’ve chosen will raise intriguing questions about faith, knowledge and virtue,” he said.
“CS Lewis had a knack for embedding philosophically and theologically dense ideas in children’s adventure stories.”
‘Core Conversation’ will be held in Thornlie on Thursday, October 3, from 7.30- 9pm.
To attend, RSVP by September 26, or for more information, contact Eileen at e.reyes@campion.edu.au.