Friends University is honored to host author and founder of Strong Towns, Charles Marohn as he returns to Wichita for Rethinking Wichita, a conference on how Wichitans work, play, move and live on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.
“Charles Marohn is one of the most provocative thinkers on urban issues in America today,” said Dr. Russell Arben Fox, professor of political science, program director of the Honors Program and Model U.N. sponsor at Friends University. “It is our hope that we can provide a collaborative opportunity to involve students and the wider community in conversations with Wichita’s civic leaders and others about the needs and the future of our city. And perhaps address concerns Wichitans may have before they head to the polls to vote on Nov. 2.”
Marohn will discuss his new book, Confessions of a Recovering Engineer: Transportation for a Strong Town, which details the economic, environmental and political problems that public transportation poses for American cities including Wichita.
The conference also features local scholars, activists, artists and leaders from across Wichita who will discuss the challenges and choices facing our city. Presenters include Chase Billingham, associate professor of sociology at Wichita State University; Kate Nance, clinical research regulatory coordinator at the University of Kansas Medical Center; Laura Lombard, president and CEO at Kansas Global Trade Services, Inc.; and Angela Perez, executive director for Urban League of Kansas.
Presentation sessions begin at 2 p.m. in the Casado Campus Center in the McKay Gymnasium and will be followed by a keynote address by Charles Marohn at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Auditorium in the Davis Administration Building on the Friends University campus.
The Rethinking Wichita conference is free and open to the public to attend. RSVP is requested. For a detailed schedule and additional information, visit friends.edu/rethinking-wichita.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.