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.
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.
Friday, April 1, 2022
Mental Wellness – Daytime Event
In-Person and Virtual – 9am – 4pm
FREE EVENT
Friday, April 1, 2022
P.E. MONROE AUDITORIUM 7PM
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
Thank You To Our Sponsors

The Art of Compassion
Three-Day Symposium of Events
at Lenoir-Rhyne University
March 30, 31, April 1, 2022
Contact Information
If you have questions or need additional information about the event, feel free to contact us at sallie@ionehospitality.com.