The Art of Compassion

Three-Day Symposium of Events at Lenoir-Rhyne University

March 30, 31, April 1, 2022

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

P.E. MONROE AUDITORIUM 7PM

MAR 30

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Best known for her themes of politics, culture, race and gender, Adichie’s novels, short stories and plays have received public and critical acclaim. She is a past recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” and currently splits her time between Nigeria and the United States. Learn more about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

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Thursday, March 31, 2022

Visiting Writers Series Panel of Speakers
Steve Palmer, John T. Edge, Chenelle Bragg

Moderated by Juliet Kuehnle

FREE EVENT

P.E. MONROE AUDITORIUM 7PM

John T. Edge

John T. Edge hosts the television show TrueSouth on the SEC Network and ESPN. The Penguin Press published his latest book, The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South, named a best book of 2017 by NPR, Publisher‘s Weekly, and a host of others. Learn more about John T. Edge.

Steve Palmer

In his book, “Say Grace: How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life,” Palmer shares how he got sober, how others might find their way to sobriety and why he still loves the restaurant community. Learn more about Steve Palmer.

Chenelle Bragg

Chenelle Bragg is the owner and chef at Best of Both Souls Vegan Restaurant in Charlotte.

Chef Bragg specializes in serving up Vegan/Vegetarian dishes and enjoys sharing her story with others. Learn more about Chenelle Gragg.

Reserve FREE Tickets For the Panel of speakers

Friday, April 1, 2022

Mental Wellness – Daytime Event
In-Person and Virtual – 9am – 4pm

FREE EVENT

Mental Wellness Forum Schedule of Events

Reserve FREE Tickets for Mental Wellness Forum Events

Friday, April 1, 2022

P.E. MONROE AUDITORIUM 7PM

APR 1

Special Guest Martina McBride

Multiple Grammy nominee Martina McBride has sold more than 23 million albums, which include her 20 Top-10 singles and six #1 hits. When Martina is not in the studio, she focuses her time on charitable causes. Learn more about Martina McBride.

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This year focusing on equality, caring, addictions and recovery.

This three-day event is the product of a partnership with Imagine One Hospitality, Lenoir-Rhyne University, and Ben’s Friends.

The Art of Compassion is an opportunity for you to participate in a positive, respectful, and affirming three-day conversation guided by industry empathy experts and wellness professionals centered on equality, addictions, and recovery. This series of events serves hospitality workers and students in our community struggling with substance abuse and addiction and offers hope, fellowship, and a path forward.

On Wednesday, the event will begin with world-famous storyteller, Nigerian author Chimamanda Gnozi Adichie, followed by a panel on Thursday consisting of award-winning restauranteur Steve Palmer, food writer and television host John T. Edge, and chef Chenelle Gragg.

Friday’s programming includes intimate presentations from wellness professionals focusing on practical strategies for improving well-being and enhancing mental health. The symposium will conclude Friday evening with a ticketed musical story-telling performance by Country star Martina McBride.

This three-day event is the product of a partnership with Imagine One Hospitality, Lenoir-Rhyne University, and Ben’s Friends. This symposium aims to address the national mental health crisis on a local level by targeting two vulnerable groups in our community-our hospitality workers and our students.

Presented By

Lenoir Rhyne University Visiting Writers Series logo