Forty students from The University of Louisville traveled from Kentucky to the Kirk Center in Mecosta to attend a four-day seminar led by Kirk Center Senior Fellows and other distinguished scholars.

Senior Fellows James Person Jr., Dr. Bruce Frohnen of Ohio Northern University College of Law, and Dr. Jeffrey Polet of Hope College spoke on the following topics respectively: “Russell Kirk–Son of Plymouth and Mecosta,”  “Decadence, Renewal, & America’s Way Home,” and “Russell Kirk & America’s British Culture.”

Students participated in round-table discussions of C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce, guided by Dr. David Whalen of Hillsdale College, and of Scipio’s Dream and The Celestial Railroad by Dr. Gary Gregg of the McConnell Center. Additionally, they enjoyed conversing with Center President Annette Kirk and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Stephen Markman.

Many of the students commented that the gathering was a highlight of their year, and several shared their reflections on the seminar:

“I have loved my experience at the Kirk Center. It has renewed my love for inquiry….the Kirk Center is a beacon of light for learning and truth-seeking that would be a valuable experience for anyone willing to learn.”

“Dr. Kirk’s work has reinforced my understanding of the importance of imagination and I appreciate all you do to continue that legacy and revitalize the moral imagination.”