Posted on Friday, January 15, 2021
Dr. David Ahearn, Chair and Professor of Religion and Philosophy at LaGrange College, expected to spend this month in Nepal, leading students on a study-away trip to significant Buddhist and Hindu religious sites and spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.
Instead, due to the global pandemic, the 25-year faculty veteran will be leading a Jan. 25 lecture, “Himalayan Mysteries: The Religions of Nepal,” to kick off the college’s 11th season of 3D Journeys. This year’s theme, “Escape to the Far East,” will be presented virtually via Zoom, giving a whole new dimension to the college’s tradition of “armchair travel.”
A graduate of Austin College, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and Emory University, Dr. Ahearn has also studied at Basel University in Switzerland and Wilfred Lanier University in Canada. He teaches a variety of courses, including World Religions, and is part-time pastor to churches in the Mountville Circuit of the United Methodist Church and elder of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
An avid traveler, he has visited countries all over the world and led student groups to Japan, China and the Philippines.
Dr. Ahearn said he is excited to be talking about Nepal, a small, landlocked nation between India and China, home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks.
“Nepal is the most interesting place I’ve ever been,” he said. “Visiting Nepal is like traveling back in time since most of the ancient traditions and religious practices are still intact today.”
Dr. Ahearn’s personal experiences in Nepal trace back to a six-week sabbatical there eight years ago. It was the realization of a “bucket-list dream,” he said, including the opportunity to spend time in monasteries and do a high-altitude trek in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas.
The trekking adventure was magnificent, he said, but meeting many Nepali people and immersing himself in the culture was even better.
“Nepal is utterly unlike any other place,” he said.
He believes sharing stories and insights into the religions of Nepal is an ideal way to introduce the 3D audience to the country, which is unusual in that it has both Hindu and Buddhist influences.
“People’s deepest hopes, imaginations and fears are wrapped up in their religion. I can’t imagine how you can learn about another culture without respectfully understanding their religion,” Dr. Ahearn said.
He has grown comfortable with teaching virtually during the pandemic and says there is an advantage to the Zoom lecture.
“I won’t have to wear a mask, so it will be easier to understand me,” he said with a laugh.
Dr. Lauranne Buchanan, a member of the 3D committee, believes that since meeting in person is not currently possible, the Zoom format will allow for a successful event. In addition to a welcome by President Susanna Baxter and Dr. Ahearn’s slide-filled lecture, participants will have the opportunity for live questions and answers at the end.
“It will feel like you are with people. In these restricted times, it’s really nice to have a community of people watching together,” Dr. Buchanan said.
Although actual travel will not be part of this year’s 3D format, organizers feel it was important to continue the series and hope the online format may allow them to expand their reach.
“We have built a loyal audience of lifelong learners who look forward to the lectures,” said Ann Beason, who chairs the 3D committee with Nancy Durand. “In addition to our regulars, we encourage people who might not join us on campus to do so in the comfort of their own homes.”
In addition to the Nepal lecture, the series will include a Feb. 22 virtual lecture, “Thailand of Smiles,” by Dr. Sharon Livingston and Dr. Don Livingston; and a March 22 session featuring retired professor Dr. Joe Cafaro on “Vietnam – A Historical Legacy of Invasions and Resistance.”
As for Dr. Ahearn, he’s hoping to put the Nepal trip back on the college’s travel itinerary when the study-away programs can safely resume.
Part of the college’s emphasis on global engagement, the study-away programs are offered during the Interim Term in January and the May Away term at the end of the spring semester. Each entering freshman who remains a successful full-time student is eligible for a travel voucher of $2,500 during the junior or senior year. The opportunities are designed to enhance intellectual growth, cultural awareness and personal independence.
Those who register for the free lecture will be emailed the information needed to log into the Zoom session at 10 a.m. Jan. 25. To register, visit here, call 706-880-8244 or email 3DJourneys@paulytheprayingpup.com).
Rachel-Marie Cartwright, a senior Musical Theatre student, was recently hired as the makeup artist for the short film, “Lynched by Treason.” The movie is written by Digital Creative Media and Film student Jamal Shakir.
The Center for Leadership and Career Development will host an online lunch-and-learn on professional development at noon Jan. 28. Alumni who are searching for career options have a “one-stop shop” on campus for support and guidance. Karen Pruett, Associate Dean of Student Development and Director of CLCD, along with Jacob Wise, Internship Coordinator and Career Advisor, will share tools to navigate the process. Although the event is geared toward young alumni, it is open to anyone who would like to join. To register, visit here. Details for how to join the Zoom meeting will be emailed to participants.
Congratulations to senior Psychology student Kiara-Tookes-Williams. Her undergraduate research project, “Student Perceptions of Potential Child Abuse,” has been selected for presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Her work will be presented at this year’s virtual conference.
Cathy Gorn, executive director of National History Day, has been invited to participate in “Justice Sunday: Service Around the Clock” by the 400 Years of African American History Commission. The event will be livestreamed. Her remarks will appear near the top of 6 p.m. segment. LaGrange College is a co-affiliate sponsor of National History Day Georgia.
Anna Johnston is primed for a breakout Women’s Volleyball career. Read more here.
More than the usual college curriculum, the college offers such areas of study as Computer Animation to Global Sustainability.
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Category: Events, Students, Community, College, Arts and Culture, Academics, Global engagement
Keywords: 3D Journeys Nepal Himalayas Ahearn
