Created by John A. Schiffman in 2000, the Schiffman Lecture Series annually draws noted scholars to the college to lecture on the influence of religion in politics, culture and education, and ethics in society.
"To Love or Not to Love: Finding the Eye of our Social Hurricane"
Next lecture: Thursday, October 24, 2024
“Colorism and Christianity”
Next lecture: Tuesday, October 24, 2023
2023 speaker: Rev. Dr. C.W. Dawson Jr.
Christian Minister and Professor of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Honoring a LegacyIn November 2000, John A. Schiffman, a member of the Columbia College Board of Trustees, gave a gift of historic proportions to the college. In honor of his late wife, Althea, a 1941 graduate of Christian College, member of the board from 1983 to 1987 and Distinguished Alumna ’85, Schiffman gave $1.5 million — the single largest contribution by a living donor at that time. |
...Integrity, honesty, fairness and compassion are as important as intellect. |
Schiffman made his gift “because of my late wife’s affection and fondness for the college and because of the historical roots of the college as an institution affiliated by covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),” he said. “It is my hope that Columbia College will become a force in carrying forward the message to students that integrity, honesty, fairness and compassion are as important as intellect.” Columbia College mourned the loss of Schiffman when he died August 5, 2015, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he resided. He was 99. He is remembered as a man passionate not only about higher education, but the roles of ethics, religion and moral development as part of an individual’s education.
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