Great conversations have been shared for thousands of years: around water coolers, in classrooms, at town hall meetings and at the kitchen table.

Today communication often takes the form of instant messaging and e-mail. But these modern methods can crowd out a technique that, historically, has led to many new discoveries and insights: face-to-face conversation over dessert and coffee following a satisfying meal where individuals discuss issues of importance and significance.

Friends University is pleased to revive this critical form of exchange by assembling people from diverse backgrounds and experiences at Great Conversation! Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Wichita Scottish Rite from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Great Conversation! features community leaders and Friends University faculty hosting conversations about a wide range of topics such as the arts and literature, business and community, education, leisure and lifestyles, politics and history, religion, and science and technology.

For a complete list of this year's topics, click here.

Participants are assured a topic of interest as they make their first, second and third selections from a list of 30 topics at the time of registration (on the web, by mail or by phone), so the table of 10 participants finds their evening both enlightening and energizing.

To sponsor a table, click here.

Purpose of Event

• To promote Friends University by engaging the community in stimulating conversation around relevant topics of interest.
• To join with community leaders and thinkers to spark new ideas, build consensus, and stimulate involvement in community issues.
• To encourage Friends University faculty to share their expertise in their field of study.
• To raise funds for Friends University Presidential Scholarships.

FAQs

What is the evening’s attire?
Business casual is the suggested attire.

What does it mean to sign up for three different topics?
Of the topics, select your favorite three and, based on availability, you will be assured one of those three. The sooner we receive your registration, the more likely it will be for you to receive your most desired topic.

Where do I park?
There is a large lot directly to the north of (behind) the Wichita Scottish Rite providing free parking for the event (you must enter from the north on Topeka Avenue to access the parking lot). Keep in mind that Topeka Avenue is a one-way street running south and Second Street is one-way running east to west. There is also handicap-accessible parking in the same area and drop-off and pick-up at the north door.

If I invite a friend(s) after I have registered, can they be assured seating at my table?
We cannot absolutely guarantee there will be available seating at the table, although if you make a comment in the box on the registration page, we will make every effort to accommodate your request.

Is there a refund if I am unable to attend Great Conversation! after I have registered?
Unfortunately there is no refund provided. However, a portion of the cost is tax-deductible.  An option is to “give” your seat to someone else. Simply contact greatconversation@friends.edu to let us know of this change.

Presidential Scholarship Criteria

• A new student must have either a 3.8 high school GPA or a 28 ACT score.
• To maintain the scholarship, students must maintain at least a 3.7 GPA in college.
• Approximately 130 Presidential scholarships are awarded each year to new and returning students.

If you still have questions, please contact greatconversation@friends.edu.