Melinda Nielsen is a graduate of Hillsdale College and associate professor of classical literature at Baylor University. Courtesy | Baylor University
Hillsdale alumna and C. S. Lewis scholar Melinda Nielsen will speak on Lewis’ “idea of the university” in Conrad Recital Hall Nov. 8, hosted by the C.S. Lewis Society.
“Dr. Nielsen has lectured to Oxford’s C.S. Lewis Society,” C.S. Lewis Society president and senior Justus Hume said. “It will be good to have someone who’s not a professor here speak to bring a fresh and new perspective.”
Nielsen, an associate professor of classical literature at Baylor University, graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College and completed her master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame. She has published articles on Boethius, Lewis, and English Catholic theologian John Henry Newman.
“I’m interested in learning more about the connection between Lewis and Newman,” Hume said. “They shared the same stomping grounds of Oxford and England. I’m interested to see if Lewis’ philosophy of higher education will reveal his thoughts on the Oxford Movement.”
The Oxford Movement, which Newman helped lead, sought to restore Catholic beliefs and rituals to the Church of England.
“Lewis has said things that Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians can all agree with,” Hume said. “His writing and philosophy are beautiful. The C.S. Lewis Society hopes to encourage scholarly curiosity and hospitality by inviting speakers who are familiar with Lewis.”
The society hosts two lectures every semester. After every lecture, an off-campus house hosts a soiree, giving the attendees the opportunity to meet the speaker and discuss the talk.
“In the spirit of Lewis, the soiree provides the opportunity for conversation and deepened friendships,” said sophomore and C.S. Lewis Society minister of hospitality Jianna Coppola. “Food and a welcoming environment are essential components of the soiree for us to foster great conversations.”
Coppola said she is excited for the soiree to follow Nielson’s talk, which will include caprese skewers with balsamic glaze, raspberry mousse, and pumpkin cheesecake.
According to Hume, Nielsen’s talk is part of a series of lectures about Lewis and education.
Hume said the Society is partnering with the education department for an upcoming talk in February.
Because many students at the college hope to be educators in the future, Hume said Lewis’ philosophy of education has practical implications for many people on campus.
“I hope students will gain a new perspective on the university and what it means to be an educator from Lewis’ philosophy of education,” Hume said. “Lewis really spoke to aspects of people’s lives. I hope Lewis’ idea of the university grounds students and gives a new perspective on education from someone who’s familiar.”