Common Day of Scholarship (CDS): A Celebration of Learning and Discovery
Published: December 18, 2024
Author: Liz Dowell
GREENVILLE, Ill.— The Common Day of Scholarship (CDS) at Greenville University provides an inspiring platform for students and faculty to showcase academic achievements and engage in meaningful scholarly dialogue. From morning presentations to an innovative afternoon study session, CDS embodies the University’s mission to deliver immersive experiences, foster innovative learning, and nurture a deeply connected community.
Among the day's highlights were the thesis defenses of three outstanding students—Lucas Nowlan, Kennedy Gerton, and Callie Adkins—delivered to an audience of faculty, staff, and peers.
MORNING PRESENTATIONS: A SHOWCASE OF STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
The day started with student presentations featuring McAllaster Scholars' thesis defenses, senior engineering projects, and summer research findings.
One notable presentation was by Lucas Nowlan, who explored the intersection of theology and history in his thesis titled “Can We Find Common Ground Between History and Theology?”
Reflecting on his four years of interdisciplinary studies, Lucas explained:
"This is the culmination of learning to approach history as a theology major. My research examines how the sacred scriptures of Christians and Jews interact with the academic study of ancient history. Theology views scripture as a source of divine truth, while ancient history analyzes it as literature that reveals human and cultural contexts."
Lucas’s presentation critiqued historical methodologies, comparing approaches like the German and American schools of biblical archaeology. He emphasized:
"We must move away from grand narratives and focus on personal stories to reduce biases historically embedded in theology and archaeology. Understanding ancient Israel requires setting aside theological presuppositions while valuing the Bible as a critical historical source."
EMPOWERING THROUGH STORIES: KENNEDY GERTON’S ANALYSIS OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Greenville University’s dedication to fostering critical thinking and creativity was exemplified in Kennedy Gerton’s presentation on children’s author Kate DiCamillo. Kennedy analyzed how DiCamillo’s novels address themes of tragedy, community, and agency, equipping young readers with tools to navigate life’s complexities.
From literary and Christian perspectives, Kennedy highlighted recurring archetypes in DiCamillo's works, such as the “animal ambassador,” which helps protagonists forge connections. She emphasized storytelling as a transformative force, shedding light in dark times for children and adults alike.
“DiCamillo’s stories teach resilience and empathy, showing how hope and community can emerge from tragedy,” Kennedy explained.
Through her research, Kennedy underscored the value of children’s literature in shaping young minds.
CALLIE ADKINS: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND MENTAL HEALTH
Callie Adkins, a senior majoring in psychology and social work, used her capstone project to examine the relationship between faith and mental health. Inspired by her faith and the pandemic's impact on young adults, Callie's research explored how religiosity and spirituality influence mental well-being.
Surveying participants on their prayer frequency, the importance of faith, and mental health indicators like depression and anxiety, Callie aimed to determine whether stronger faith traditions correlate with better mental health outcomes.
“I grew up in a Christian household where faith was foundational,” Callie shared. “This research was a way to connect my personal experiences with academic inquiry.”
While her results did not fully support her hypothesis, they revealed trends suggesting that higher religiosity often correlates with lower anxiety and stress. Using tools like the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Big Five Inventory to measure personality traits, Callie uncovered intriguing gender-specific patterns, such as higher neuroticism among males with low religiosity and higher extroversion among females.
A CELEBRATION OF GROWTH AND DISCOVERY
The Common Day of Scholarship at Greenville University shows the transformative power of education, showcasing how students integrate faith, creativity, and critical thinking to address complex questions and real-world challenges.
From exploring the intersections of theology and history to uncovering the transformative power of storytelling to examining the role of faith in mental health, Lucas, Kennedy, and Callie demonstrated the university’s commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.
