Critical Concerns 2026
Schedule of events
Monday, March 23, 2026
Starting Line Morning Reflection
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Title: Puerto Rico Panel Spotlight with TRIO Scholars
Location: Gavan Lounge
Presenters: Laura Dunn, Director of Global Education Programs and Global Lions & Dr. Danielle Staten Lamb, Director of TRIO-Student Support Services
Join TRIO Scholars for a panel discussion reflecting on their travel and volunteer experience in Puerto Rico!
1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Title: Beyond Labels: Challenging Stigma at the Intersection of Mental Health, Substance Use & Racism
Location: McAuley Heritage Center
Presenters: Timothy Ryan and Breyonna Kelton
Stigma surrounding mental health and substance use does not exist in a vacuum. It shapes lives, limits opportunity, and influences who is met with compassion and who is met with punishment. It is reinforced through language, culture, power, and deeply rooted systemic inequities. Substance use disorders are too often framed as moral failures rather than health conditions, with responses that shift dramatically based on race and social identity. This interactive session challenges participants to confront these realities, examine the power of words, and leave equipped with practical tools to reduce stigma and advance equity on campus.
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Health Equity: More than a #Hashtag
Location: Little Theater
Presenter: Dr. Ulanda Marcus-Aiyeku, DNP, APN, PMHNP-BC, NE-BC, Nurse Scientist
Go beyond the hashtag and delve into the real-world research journey of healthcare professionals dedicated to understanding the social determinants of health for individuals with osteoarthritis. This program, guided by Bronfenbrenner’s influential sociological framework, uncovers health disparities that prompted action. Through the lived experience of a nursing scientist, you will gain evidence-based tools for meaningful community engagement and discover how to align your professional position with a deeper sense of purpose.
Bio:
Dr. Ulanda Marcus-Aiyeku is a dedicated Nurse Scientist whose career is deeply rooted in advocating for and serving underrepresented communities. Her work is consistently guided by a commitment to addressing social determinants of health and promoting cultural competence in healthcare. Growing up in the multicultural landscape of Brooklyn, Dr. Aiyeku was immersed in a world of diverse ancestries and faiths. This upbringing, combined with starting her nursing career during the height of the AIDS and drug epidemics, solidified her role as an advocate for marginalized populations, shaping a practice focused on understanding the unspoken needs of patients. Dr. Aiyeku’s research and practice are grounded in qualitative inquiry and a passion for equity. She actively leads and collaborates on interdisciplinary studies that explore health disparities and patient-reported outcomes to inform better care design.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Starting Line Morning Reflection
10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Sound Bath
Location: McAuley Heritage
Presenter: Mary Donnelly Rose, GCU alumnae ’97
Enjoy the vibrations of quartz crystal bowls and Himalayan metal bowls during a forty-five-minute gentle vibrational healing sound bath by certified sound practitioner, Mary Donnelly.
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Title: “Lynchings, Resistance, & Reconciliation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: The Cases of Matthew Williams (1931) and George Armwood (1933)”
Location: Casino Ballroom
Presenter: Dr. Scott H. Bennett, Professor of History; Coordinator for History & Politics
This presentation will examine the lynchings of Matthew Williams (1931) and George Armwood (1933), the opposition and resistance of anti-lynchers at the time, and the recently established (2019) Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
12:30 P.M. – 1:50 P.M.
Playing for Justice: Identity, Racism, and Social Change
Location: Casino Ballroom
Presenter: Dr. Tawanda Hubbard
The Sisters of Mercy have a longstanding tradition and powerful ministry centered around their critical concerns: immigration, earth, racism, women, and nonviolence. This year, GCU is highlighting racism, calling for active anti-racism—intentionally identifying and challenging inequities while advocating for equity and human dignity. In this interactive presentation, participants will deepen their understanding of identity politics, systemic racism, and social power dynamics through discussion and play, developing a liberatory consciousness that moves them from awareness to intentional action, answering the call to become Agents of Dignity.
Bio:
Dr. Tawanda Hubbard is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers School of Social Work and a recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Professor Award for Excellence in Inclusion, Intersectionality, Diversity, Equity, and Advancement in Teaching. She also earned the Outstanding Professor in Clinical Specialization award in 2024, 2023, and 2022. Dr. Hubbard is a NJ-licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in child welfare, mental and behavioral health, advocacy, and case management. She has a private practice and consulting firm. Dr. Hubbard is a former president of the NASW-NJ Chapter and serves on various councils, committees, and coalitions within social work, family science, and human development locally and nationally.
12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Global Lions Language Exchange
Location: Gavan Lounge
Presenter: Laura Dunn, Director of Global Education Programs and Global Lions
Come learn a new language or share one you already know—while enjoying pizza with others!
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Title: Balancing the Scales: Identity, Anti-Racism & Social Justice
Location: Little Theatre
Presenter: Ashlee Haze (poet & philosopher)
In this workshop, Ashlee Haze explores how identity is shaped by race, gender, sexuality, class, and culture within systems centered on whiteness and other dominant norms. Using an anti-racist lens, participants examine how power operates and how internalized narratives impact voice, visibility, and belonging. Together, we reframe privilege as responsibility and discuss how to recognize positionality, interrupt harm, and practice solidarity in ways that advance racial equity and collective liberation.
Bio:
Ashlee Haze is a multi-hyphenate poet and spoken word artist from Atlanta by way of Chicago. She is one of the most accomplished poets in performance poetry and has toured the country performing at over 300 venues and universities. In addition to being a poet and creative, she runs an educational brand called Moderne Philosophy, focused on helping people connect more deeply with themselves, their work, and each other. The brand is the home of Moderne Renaissance, an educational podcast for creatives and modern thinkers. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Georgia State University and spends her time innovating ways to tell the stories not often told.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Starting Line Morning Reflection
10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Modeling Antiracism Throughout the World
Location: McAuley Heritage Center
Presenter: Carol Olivieri, Catholic Relief Services
Learn how CRS goes to the poorest of the poor and brings respect and dignity to the lives of our brothers and sisters. In addition to providing disaster relief, CRS works with communities to help them build sustainable, resilient lives in their home countries.
1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Ice Cream with a Twist
Location: North Dining Room
Collaboration: Student Life
Join us for a sweet ice cream social filled with scoops, toppings, and good company. Come ready for an interactive moment you won’t expect that might just make you think a little differently.
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
“Mercy on Film”: 13th (Documentary)
Location: Little Theatre
Presenters: Dr. Marci Mazzarotto and Dr. Pamela Rader
13th (2016): In this thought-provoking documentary—directed by Ava DuVernay—scholars, activists, and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.
Run time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Starting Line Morning Reflection
8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Stealing Home: How Jackie Robinson Changed America Exhibit
Location: Casino
Presented by: African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
Jackie Robinson’s rise from poverty to the highest ranks of the sports world is explored in this exhibit. Now regarded as a national treasure, Robinson rose above the racial antipathy that greeted his entry to the Major Leagues in 1947. The collection includes Robinson’s glove and bat, and his Negro League and Brooklyn Dodgers uniforms among the artifacts on display. The exhibit also features a video describing the life of the renowned baseball hero and his family and includes the signing of his first contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers’ General Manager, Branch Rickey.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - Signature Event
Critical Concerns Week Signature Event
Location: Casino
2:00 P.M.
Welcome & Open Liturgy
Mr. Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission & Ministry
2:20 – 2:45 P.M.
Enjoy refreshments and exhibit viewing:
Stealing Home: How Jackie Robinson Changed America Exhibit
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
2:45 P.M.
Keynote Address
Boreta A. Singleton, RSM
Walk Together Children
Knowing that we are all created in God’s image, we are called to walk together on life’s road.
What makes it challenging to do this? How might we celebrate our gifts and talents and those of our companions on life’s journey?
Let us explore some answers to these questions as we discuss the Critical Concern of Antiracism.
Bio:
Boreta A. Singleton, RSM, a Temporary Professed Sister of Mercy of the Americas, is a native of Philadelphia, PA. She taught there in several Catholic schools and was the Director of the Office for Black Catholics for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for four years. She most recently served in two Jesuit-sponsored schools as a teacher and administrator in New York City and Jersey City. Boreta served as a co-facilitator of the Sisters of Mercy Institute Anti-Racism Transformation Team from 2017–2019. She entered the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas in 2021.
While living in NYC, Boreta worshipped at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Manhattan and was a member of the Choir, ISEL (Ignatian Spirituality in Everyday Life) Team, the Racial Justice Group, and the multi-parish Catholic Anti-Racism Project. She is a member of the Ignatian Schola, a Manhattan-based singing group, and connects with members of the Jesuit Anti-Racism Sodality (JARS).
Boreta holds two undergraduate degrees in Music and Elementary Education from Immaculata University, an M.A. in Theology and Liturgy from the University of Notre Dame, and an M.S. in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Neumann University. She has a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Fairfield University and a certificate from Together in the Mystery in Supervision of Spiritual Directors.
Boreta presently serves as the Associate Director for Mission Formation and Integration for the Institute Ministry Office of the Sisters of Mercy.
“G-d created humankind in his image, in the image of G-d he created them…” (Genesis 1: 27, NRSVACE)
Found at the very beginning of the Bible, this passage establishes the bedrock of belief that human beings are endowed with an innate human dignity. All people – in all their glorious diversity – bear the thumbprint of their Maker. Therefore, all must be treated with dignity, respect, and mercy.
Sadly, when the truth of our common origin is ignored or forgotten, racism can take root. People respond with fear and hatred. Social structures are warped to disadvantage “the other”. Our human dignity is disfigured.
The Georgian Court community’s response to racism is inspired by the Sisters of Mercy: “We work to become an anti-racist community – committed to eliminating personal and institutional racism and dismantling structures, policies and processes.”
This year’s Critical Concern is Antiracism. Our reflection will be guided by the implications of being created In the Divine Image: “How is the beauty of that image reflected in our diversity? What are the implications of human dignity for our personal relationships and our vision for the common good? What are the demands of Mercy within our communities?”
“God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them…” (Genesis 1: 27, NRSVACE)
Good and gracious God,
You love and delight in every person
whom You have made in Your divine image.
We stand in awe before You,
knowing that the spark of life within each one
is the spark of Your divine life.
May we honor the diversity of humankind,
recognizing the differences among cultures and races
as multicolored manifestations of Your Light.
May our hearts and minds be open
to celebrate both similarities and differences
and to honor the human dignity of all.
We place our hopes for racial harmony
in Your love and grace
to guide our committed action to build justice.
May all peoples live in Peace.
Amen.