Benedictine College’s Fifteenth Annual
Symposium on Transforming Culture
The weekend of March 20-21, 2026
2026 Theme: “Only the Lover Sings”: On Beauty and Wonder
This annual conference is held on the campus of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. The Symposium brings together scholars, business leaders, field professionals and students for a time of fellowship, reflection and dialogue concerning topics integral to the Catholic Faith and its transformative role in our society, culture and business.
2026 Theme: “Only the Lover Sings”: On Beauty and Wonder
“Man’s ability to see is in decline,” wrote Josef Pieper in 1952. This observation has only become more accurate in the first quarter of the 21st century. We are increasingly incapable or uninterested in the mystery of being that is directly in front of us. Whether in the grandeur of creation or the eternal dignity of human person, modern man passes by uninterested. The 2026 Symposium on Transforming Culture at Benedictine College takes up this problem.
Call for Abstracts
We are seeking paper and presentation proposals that address the topic of beauty and wonder. Proposals from scholars, artists, and organizational leaders, in any fields or discipline, including theology, philosophy, literature, visual and performing arts, education, and architecture are welcome.
Proposals should be sent in the form of a 150 word abstract. Submissions should be turned in online by December 1, 2025. Notification of acceptance will be given in early January 2026. Presentations will be 20 minutes in length with 2-3 presenters per session.
Event Registration
Registration for the 2026 Symposium is not yet available. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Event Schedule
Friday, March 20, 2026
3:00 p.m.
Registration
Murphy Recreation Center
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Colloquium Session #1
Ferrell Academic Center, Third Floor. Light refreshments provided.
7:30-9:00 p.m.
Keynote #1
9:00 p.m.
Reception
Saturday, March 21, 2026
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Keynote #2
9:45-11:00 a.m.
Colloquium Session #2
Ferrell Academic Center
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Featured Presenter Sessions
12:30-1:45 p.m.
Lunch
2:00-3:15 p.m.
Keynote #3
3:45-5:05 p.m.
Colloquium Session #3
Ferrell Academic Center
5:15 p.m.
Vigil Mass
St. Benedict’s Abbey, Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dinner
7:45-9:00 p.m.
Closing Keynote
9:00 p.m.
Reception
Speakers & Presenters
Speakers for the 2026 Symposium will be posted soon!