North Central College hosts a global conference for good Oct. 26

In partnership with Q, North Central College’s Office of Ministry and Service will host a Q Commons event. Q Commons gives speakers a platform to engage with diverse audiences on how they can become leaders who advance the common good within their communities. The event will be broadcasted in over 35 states, 15 countries and five continents.

The Naperville event will take place 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in North Central’s theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St.

This event’s theme is “Healing Our Divided Nation” and aims to educate viewers on how they can navigate this critical moment for America.

“We’re all aware of where we are as a country right now,” said Brian Rainville, North Central’s director of ministry and service. “The point of the night is dialogue; critical conversations are happening within communities, classrooms, churches, homes, and even internally. On this night, we want to have a specific time and place to encourage conversation between different people.”

Q Commons features both nationally recognized speakers as well as local speakers who are relevant to their communities. The Oct. 26 national speakers include David Brooks, a cultural commentator for the New York Times; Kara Powell, the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and expert on how technology effects this generation; and Jason Petty, a hip-hop and spoken word artist popularly known as Propaganda.

Local speakers are Matt Margaron, director of the nonprofit Young Life; Eddie Bedford, Naperville Township Supervisor and adjunct instructor of kinesiology at North Central College; and Manilyn Gumapas, a senior at North Central and sociology major.

Coming from a Christian perspective, Q carries a powerful message for people of faith. “It reminds people of faith what the Good News is about, and it reminds them to listen, to care about each other as people first, and that by doing so, real change can begin to happen,” said Rainville.

However, Q’s message is relevant to everyone, says Rainville. “Not all speakers are religious, and the talks encourage engaging in culture, thinking critically, and advancing good.”

Tickets are $15/adults and $5/students, faculty and staff. To learn more about the speakers, schedule and to register, visit qcommons.com/naperville.

Sponsored by the Office of Ministry and Service, with support from leadership, ethics and values, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Student Involvement, and the religious studies program.

Written by Mark Mullane '17/M '19