Chester Ronning Centre

09/30/2026

Today, September 30th, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the children who never returned home, the survivors, their families, and their communities.

We encourage you to continue learning, reflecting, and engaging in the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation.

09/28/2026

Join the Ronning Centre for a conversation with Karen Sands-O’Connor, PhD, an award-winning scholar of Black British children’s literature, exploring representation, identity, and inclusion in the books we share with children.

Happening this Thursday!

Whose stories make it onto the shelf and whose don't? The books children grow up with quietly teach them who matters, whose experience is worth...

09/23/2026

Happening tomorrow, Sept 24, at the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre

A Ronning Centre Conversation: Jason Kenney
This public conversation invites reflection on the values, loyalties, and moral commitments that shape our common life. How
do our deepest convictions influence the way we understand citizenship, leadership, and responsibility? What does it mean to
build genuine communities across differences? And what role might thoughtful public dialogue play in strengthening civic life
at a time of growing political and cultural division?

Get your tickets here!

Join us for an evening of conversation with Hon. Jason Kenney and Dr. Joseph Wiebe, Director of the Chester RonningCentre, exploring the moral and civic questions shaping public life in Canada today. Together they will reflect on themes ofcommunity, belonging, political leadership, religion, and the...

09/14/2026

Join us for an evening of conversation with Hon. Jason Kenney and Dr. Joseph Wiebe, Director of the Chester Ronning
Centre, exploring the moral and civic questions shaping public life in Canada today. Together they will reflect on themes of
community, belonging, political leadership, religion, and the ethical responsibilities that accompany public service.

Get your ticket here:

Join us for an evening of conversation with Hon. Jason Kenney and Dr. Joseph Wiebe, Director of the Chester RonningCentre, exploring the moral and civic questions shaping public life in Canada today. Together they will reflect on themes ofcommunity, belonging, political leadership, religion, and the...

09/03/2026

We’re looking forward to gathering again today MainStreet 1908 for our first Philosopher Café of the fall!

Parables: A Scandal to Some, Foolishness to Others

Many often think of religion as a set of doctrines and moral codes. Parables in Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and Buddhist traditions often scandalize religious and moral dogmatists. Are parables a counterpoint speaking to deeper religious aspirations?

Everyone is welcome.

Many often think of religion as a set of doctrines and moral codes. Parables in Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and Buddhist traditions often...

08/17/2026

We hope you’ve all been having a wonderful summer! ☀️

We’re looking forward to seeing you again soon as our Fall Philosopher Cafés kick off on September 3rd at MainStreet 1908

We also have some exciting Ronning Centre event announcements coming your way soon! Stay tuned here, or keep an eye on the Ronning Centre Events page for all the latest details.

We can’t wait for another great season of conversation and community!

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/chester-ronning-centre/events.html

06/17/2026

We were grateful to partner with The Fellowship of the Camrose Public Library to present Hands Off Our Books, a sold-out event highlighting the important role public libraries play in our communities and the challenges they face in light of Bill 28.

A special thank you to Kerri Danner and Alyssa Martin for sharing their insights during the panel discussion.

Check out the write up in the Camrose Booster this week on Page 24!

Camrose, Alberta newspaper

05/21/2026

Join us on Wednesday, June 3rd at MainStreet 1908 for our next Philosopher Café!
Roger Epp will join David Goa for a discussion titled, Scenes from a Divided Countryside: Rural Alberta and the UCP.

Join David Goa and Roger Epp for our final Philosopher Caf& #233; before we break for the summer. For a long time, "rural...

05/21/2026

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/events/augustana/chester-ronning-centre/handsoffourbooks.html

The Fellowship of the Camrose Public Library and the Chester Ronning Centre are hosting a screening of The Librarians, and a panel discussion about the challenges facing public libraries. Don’t miss out on their great event! June 3 2026.

05/15/2026

Join the The Fellowship of the Camrose Public Libraryand the Chester Ronning Centre for an evening of film and conversation focused on the challenges facing public libraries and how we can support them in Alberta.

The event will feature a screening of The Librarians, and a panel discussion with Kerri Danner and Alyssa Martin, moderated by Joseph Wiebe. Together, we will explore the evolving role of public libraries in our communities, the pressures they are currently facing, and the potential impacts of proposed Bill 28. The discussion will also consider practical ways individuals and communities can help protect and strengthen these essential public spaces.

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/events/augustana/chester-ronning-centre/handsoffourbooks.html