I Heart UCSC

Dear XXXXX,

My name is Amelia Valdez and I am a Program Assistant at the University Community Service Center (UCSC). I am writing to invite you to be a panel member for "Faith and Science: Intersections in Everyday Life." This discussion is one of a series hosted by UCSC exploring issues of interest on campus and their impact in Chicago's communities.

The aim of "Faith and Science" is to look more closely at places in everyday life where the seemingly incompatible worlds of scientific knowledge and doctrines of faith collide. As science increases our knowledge about the nature of the world around us, how does one reconcile these emerging facts with faith and a religious life? Since your work brings you into contact with this issue frequently, we hope you will provide could provide insight, opinions and advice based on your own experiences. In the discussion, we will focus on issues like the teaching of evolution, advances in medical technology, death and dying, environmentalism and other issues as they are dealt with by working adults in the real world, outside the theoretical sphere of a university classroom

The discussion will be held in the South Lounge of the Reynolds Club at 5706 S. University Avenue on January 25th, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. We are expecting an audience of approximately 40-50 students, staff, and faculty. In addition to yourself, we are inviting 3-4 others whose work deals with both these realms, including journalists, educators, and medical chaplains. Our aim is to foster dialogue among participants and panelists; as such we'd love to have you share your perspective for approximately 10 minutes, followed by a moderated discussion. In our experiences, this format provides an opportunity to both share the expertise and experience of practitioners and allow for in-depth dialogue. I hope that you will be able to participate and share you knowledge with our community. If you have any questions, would like more information, or would like to confirm your attendance please feel free to email me at mia.valdez@gmail.com or call myself or David Hays, UCSC's Assistant Director at 773-753-4483. I sincerely hope you will accept our invitation to become a panelist.

Thank you for your time,

Amelia Valdez