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History of The C.S. Lewis and Inklings Society Spring 2006 Conference at John Brown University, March 3-4
Spring 2005 Conference at Oral Roberts University, April 1-2 Highlights of the eighth Annual Conference This year’s conference at Oral Roberts University, April 1-2, 2005, was a great opportunity to convene with scholars and students of C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, other Inklings, and their influences. The campus at ORU was welcoming and had fine facilities for the various sessions, meals, and keynote speeches. The undergraduate student papers at various sessions were impressive. There was a good diversity of topics ranging from “Science, Truth and Imagination” to “George MacDonald” to Middle-earth and Narnian themes, just to name a few. There was excellent participation by the officers of the Society (all presented papers), and faculty presentations were most insightful. Next year’s conference will be at John Brown University in Sloan Springs, Arkansas. Contact jhimes@jbu.edu for more information. Dr. Ralph Wood of Baylor University pointed out in his keynote speech several ways in which Tolkien speaks to our post-modern culture. After the final session of excellent papers, Christopher Mitchell of Wheaton College concluded the conference with his address on “Wellness and the Art of Reading,” which sparked many comments and questions on monitoring (or censoring) books at home as well as at school. “Model a passion for books,” Mitchell exhorted us, in our teaching, scholarship, and in reading aloud to children. Dr. Mark Hall, President of the 2005-2006 CSLIS, did a tremendous job of organizing the conference and making sure everyone felt welcome and comfortable.
Spring 2004 Conference at LeTourneau University, April 1-2
2003 Conference at OCU
Oklahoma City University, the host school and home base of The C.S. Lewis and Inklings Society, was chartered in 1904, and is known as one of the nation's more respected educational institutions. Known worldwide for its success in business and fine arts - primarily dance - this private Methodist university is renowned for generating well-educated, talented servant leaders. The C.S. Lewis and Inklings Conference has featured a plethora of talented, educated individuals. 
Recently, the Conference received the insightful and award-winning Dr. Rolland Hein. Dr. Hein is an emeritus English professor from Whaton College in Illinois, and is also an ordained minister. He is listed in Contemporary Authors, Who's Who in the Midwest, Who's Who in Religion, and other respected listings. He has been the recipient of numerous grants for research on George MacDonald and Christian mythopoeia. He has written several books on George McDonald, one of his influences, and on modern myth and fantasy literature. His most recent book is Lilith: A Variorum Edition. 
Another recent speaker at The C. S. Lewis and Inklings Conference was Dr. Don King, an award-winning English professor from Montreat College in North Carolina. He has been awarded repeatedly for his exemplary teaching. He, too, has received grants and fellowships, and has authored several books, book reviews, and articles. His most recent book is C.S. Lewis, Poet: The Legacy of his Poetic Impulse. |
