January 23th-25th, the Veritas Forum hosted a series of events on campus. Our first night (above) featured Cal Poly Biology professor Dr. Ed Himelblau dialoguing alongside out guest Washington University St. Louis biologist Dr. Josh Swamidass on the question: “What Does it Mean to be Human?” 

Students lining up and coming in to the main auditorium in the PAC. 

Dr. Swamidass and Dr. Himelblau, along with our moderator, Cal Poly Philosophy Professor Dr. Eleanor Helms. Here’s a link to the video of Swamidass/Himelblau Forum.

We love this comment from a Cal Poly Materials Engineering Professor who attended: “Several of my students commented about not just what was said, but how it was said. The civility shown by both speakers was outstanding, opening doors for me to talk more with my students about my personal faith in Jesus Christ.”

Students hanging out afterwards.

Talking with Dr. Himelblau . . .

. . . and Dr. Swamidass. 

The following day, Dr. Himelblau invited Dr. Swamidass as a guest lecturer in one of his classes. We appreciate the collegiality that can develop from these Forums. 

This year, the Cal Poly Veritas Forum was extended to two nights. Our second night featured Dr. Josh Swamidass, along with our second guest astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross. Here’s a link to the video of the Swamidass/Ross Veritas Forum. 

Dr. Ross received his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and was a researcher for five years at Cal Poly before founding Reasons to Believe in 1986. He’s spoken at hundreds of universities around the world. 

Similar to the first night, students hanging around and talking afterwards. 

Dr. Ross fielding questions from students. 

Dr. Swamidass interacting with students.

We love some of the comments we’ve received from students: 

“I have a lot of doubts, but it was good to hear a molecular biologist [Dr. Josh Swamidass] who is so, so confident in his faith and that it is compatible with science.” Mike, Freshman

“What can I say? Dr. Hugh Ross was awesome.” Kevin, Freshman

“My communication professor – not particularly religious  – was so impressed by the event that she offered extra credit for anyone who attended. I think half the class showed up.” Tanya, Junior

“I’m not sure what I believe, but this was good and Christianity seems worth exploring.” Kathleen, Senior

Thursday morning, before taking off for UC Santa Barbara, Dr. Swamidass met with a group of interested students to answer additional questions, and share his research on an interpretation of Adam as a genealogical ancestor. 

Founded at Harvard University in 1992, the Veritas Forum is an annual academic event at Cal Poly that seeks to “engage students and faculty in discussions about life’s hardest questions and the relevance of Jesus Christ to all of life.”

Many thanks for everyone who worked behind the scenes to bring these events on campus.