Classroom opportunity around issues of homelessness and immigration

Campus Ministry @ WSU will bring Rev. Lorenza Andale Smith to campus Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 19-20, to speak about her experiences living on the street in San Antonio, Texas, and traveling with homeless and immigrant populations.

Learn more about Smith and her remarkable three-year appointment to homelessness at http://www.wichita.edu/j/?1682 and http://www.wichita.edu/j/?1683.

She has many stories to share, including experiences recently riding the immigrant train known as "La Beastia" or "Train of Death" and walking the migrant trail, nights spent in jail, shelter and on the street, and her encounters with a variety of our social institutions (court, church, shelter, etc) as both a "faceless" homeless person and wearing a clergy collar.

She juxtaposes worlds and speaks eloquently and bluntly from each side of these divides, enriching other's understanding of the issues and complexities.

As we schedule her time, we are interested in working with faculty to have her speak with students in or beyond the classroom. If you would like to discuss how Rev. Smith's experiences might enrich your courses this semester, please contact christopher.eshelman@wichita.edu.

Some class time will be scheduled, and we're hopeful some faculty might arrange extra credit opportunities to encourage students to attend public events that will be planned as well.