By Jared Fields, Sports Editor
Sacred Relationships Week came to an end Monday, lasting two weeks with four speakers.
The week included presentations from Everett Worthington, professor of psychology at Virginia Commonweath University; Gary Thomas, director for the Center of Evangelical Spirituality; and Dennis Lowe and Emily Scott-Lowe from Pepperdine University.
Overall, Steve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center, said he thought the speakers were good, but that he wanted more people to attend. Rowlands cited the timing and busy schedule as reasons for lower than expected numbers.
“It was just a challenge to get people to all events, and we had a lot of events,” Rowlands said. “I think a whole lot of it was just the Centennial year, and there’s so many things going on.”
Sacred Relationships changed from its previous name, Healthy Relationships, this year.
“We just felt that Sacred Relationships has a better sense of what we want,” Rowlands said. “We look at relationships as being more sacred, important, special – and so I think sacred really ties that all together.”
Rowlands said he was pleased with the quality of this year’s speakers. Of the speakers, he said Gary Thomas generated the most feedback.
“They really liked Gary Thomas’ presentation and his ministry, his style and his personality,” Rowlands said. “Each of the three people were very sincere and genuine and very approachable.”
Because of the scheduling problems this year, Rowlands said the main concern for next year’s week will be changing the week back to its traditional time.
“We usually have it the end of January or first of February,” Rowlands said. “That’s probably where we’ll go next year. The closer you get to spring break, the less attention you get.”
Rowlands said he doesn’t yet know what speakers will come to campus next year, but the committee will begin planning soon.
“We’re probably going to try to meet at the end of this semester and go over next year,” Rowlands said. “We don’t have anyone tied down yet, but we’ll start looking at names.”
