PilotTalks
Storytelling Matters
PilotTalks showcases the stories of our phenomenal faculty, staff, and alumni in a different light and context outside of their day-to-day work. Since its 2022 premiere, audiences have enjoyed stories of hope, renewal, and transformation from our amazing guest speakers.
PilotTalks Spring 2024
Thanks for joining us for the Spring 2024 Pilot Talks! In case you missed it, you can rewatch the session here anytime.
Spring 2024 Speakers
Director of Campus Ministry
Father Peter Walsh, CSC
In his talk, Fr. Peter will explore another “origin story,” this one about the decision of the Congregation of Holy Cross to come to Portland. Origin stories, such as the naming of Portland or the beginnings of a Catholic university on top of Waud’s Bluff, are handy narratives that can avoid the complex realities of the past but also convey values and vision that sustain us in our times. As people with hope to bring, our origin stories invigorate our efforts to continually seek God’s will and to take the risks necessary for renewal.
Director of the Garaventa Center, Professor of Education
Karen Eifler, PhD
One recent summer, Karen took a sabbatical to Spain and her talk tonight is inspired by that journey. Her story raises the question: What would it be like to welcome tears when they come, instead of wiping them away as quickly as possible? Karen draws on an experience from her Spain sabbatical that rehabilitated a lifetime’s worth of sidestepping tears and got her to embrace them as the source of renewal and transformation that they can be—a kind of holy water— even when they mess with your mascara.
UP Regent and Former CEO of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Janice Berger
In her talk, Janice will explore what it takes to create the conditions for individuals and communities to thrive. Think about the last time when you felt totally energized and engaged in something. Often these times are exhilarating and joyful. What was inspiring this state of engagement? How can you tap into that again? Together, we will reveal the essential elements of environments where people flourish. “Anyone can help transform a culture,” says Janice. “Let’s discover how.”
Pilot Talks Archive
Fall 2023 Pilot Talks
The theme of renewal is featured in each of the Fall 2023 Pilot Talks. Hear stories about faith, community, childhood dreams, and our continued journey through the universe.
Spring 2023 Pilot Talks
Hope, perseverance, and global communities were among the topics covered in our Spring 2023 talks. Hear insight from faculty and practitioners of faith in our community.
