Welcome

This endowed chair is named for Dr. Thomas C. and Janet M. Graul and is specifically designed to promote interdisciplinary approaches to arts and languages with a particular focus on international perspectives. At the University of Dayton, this includes Music; Art and Design; Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology; and Global Languages and Culture. As we ask our students to use their intellectual gifts in the service of others, to adapt to a changing, dynamic global society, and to be just leaders, the importance of arts and languages becomes apparent. These disciplines engage us in questions about difference and enable us to celebrate and embrace those differences. The transcendent power of arts and languages is such that the whole person is both engaged and educated.

The study of arts and languages empowers us to engage and transcend rather than dismiss that which is different, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable. These disciplines provide powerful tools to open our minds, engage our hearts, think creatively, and find the common core of our humanity. Such study is essential to any university that aspires to educate the whole person and produce distinctive graduates who are capable of linking learning to responsible leadership and service.

During the 2013 through 2016 academic years, the University of Dayton was engaged in an important dialogue about the influences of the Arts and Languages on our culture. This Rites. Rights. Writes initiative strove to pull a myriad of distinct and diverse topics of study, research and presentations into a common theme to be shared across the campus community. The initiative established a new First-Year Experience for incoming students enrolled in the Humanities Commons course. Students engaged in Dayton Performing Arts Alliance performances by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dayton Opera, and the Dayton Ballet, with supplementary events and presentations related to each annual theme of the performances.

PAST CHAIRS

Dr. Roger Crum, Department of Visual Arts

Dr. Eric Street, Department of Music

Prof. Sean Wilkinson, Department of Visual Arts

Dr. Richard Chenoweth, Department of Music

Dr. Sharon Davis Gratto, Department of Music