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The Althea W. and John A. Schiffman Lecture Series

A banner that says, "Althea W. and John A. Schiffman Lecture in Religious Studies" next to a picture of Jim Obergefell.

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.

Portrait of Jim Obergefell.

Ethics in Society Lecture

"Purposeful, Ethical Activism: Navigating Complex Moral Terrain in a Divided Society"

Next lecture: Thursday, October 23, 2025
2025 speaker: Jim Obergefell
Plaintiff in the Landmark Supreme Court Marriage Equality Case Learn more about the speaker
Portrait of Elizabeth Sweeny Block

Lecture in Religious Studies

“Why Religious Ethics? Doing Ethics in the 21st Century.”

Next lecture: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. | Dorsey Gym
2025 speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Sweeny Block
Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at St. Louis University

Learn more about the speaker

Honoring a Legacy

In 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.

An audience enjoying the Schiffman Lecture Series.
In fulfillment of Schiffman’s charge, the Schiffman Ethics in Society lecture series and the Lecture in Religious Studies series were created. The Lecture in Religious Studies draws noted scholars to the college to lecture on the influence of religion in politics, culture and education. Each year, nationally and internationally renowned scholars speak to students, faculty, staff and members of the community about how religion has shaped and continues to shape major issues of our day.

because a future built by you is a future built for you.

Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them — that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.

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