EVENT: A Conversation with Timothy Shriver: “All the Walls You Cannot See”

 DATE AND TIME: Thursday, Oct. 19, 2:30-4 p.m.

 LOCATION: 1721 Campus Center Dr., Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex (SAEC), Art Works for Kids Auditorium

Educator and disability advocate Timothy Shriver shares his vision for addressing the ongoing collapse of connection in U.S. society during a conversation hosted Thursday by the University of Utah’s College of Education.

Titled “All the Walls You Cannot See: An exploration of the political, educational and mental health implications of our crisis of connection,” the event will be held in the Sorenson Arts and Education Complex (SAEC).

A long-time chairman of the Special Olympics, Shriver is working to heal the country’s political and cultural divides. As a pioneer in the field of social and emotional learning, and through his 27 years with the Special Olympics, he has come to understand the power of connection, belonging and inclusion.

“I’ve been blessed throughout my career to have a front-row seat to see the best in humanity–young people who aspire to make a difference; Special Olympics athletes who prove the power of the human spirit; religious leaders and scholars who teach the lessons of the heart,” Shriver said. “I’m deeply honored to be invited to share these lessons I’ve learned with the students and faculty at the University, and equally excited about the chance to learn from them. I can’t wait!”

Shriver’s experience as a teacher and advocate informs his approach to easing divisions and solving problems. It leads with dignity, with seeing our own humanity reflected in the faces of others, even those with whom we disagree.

The U’s Gardner Policy Institute this year named Shriver an Impact Scholar—a distinguished public intellectual with the capacity to help generate exceptional student experiences, engage with and inform local policymakers, participate in joint research opportunities, and consult with U leadership on societal impact.