Stories about overcoming loss, Mennonite clothing to be told

Two Forums will be offered on March 1 at Bluffton University. Dr. Sheila Collins, Director of Wing & A Prayer Pittsburgh Players, will present her speech titled, “Overcoming Loss: Keys to a Resilient Recovery,” at 11 a.m. in Yoder Recital Hall. 
 
She will explore the resources needed for graceful transition following significant losses, whether of an opportunity, a job or your own health.  This is the 2016 Smucker Lecture.
 
The Smucker Lecture, which brings significant contributors to the field of social work to Bluffton, is named for Carl Smucker, who taught social work on campus for 34 years beginning in 1944.
 
In addition Bluffton University’s social work department and Dr. Collins will present a workshop called, “Redefining Grief: Helping Clients Become Resilient,” from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on March 1 in the Kreider Room of Marbeck Center. The registration deadline is Monday Feb. 29. There is no cost to attend, but preregistration is required. To register, contact Nancy Neff at [email protected].  An application for CEU’s has been submitted.
 
The second Forum offered will be from Bluffton University student Amanda Bartel ’16 will present a speech titled, “Furs, Wedding Dresses and Plain Coats: Cataloging the Bluffton University Historic Costume Collection,” at 11 a.m. in the Reading Room of Musselman Library. 
 
The history major will reflect on her exploration of Bluffton’s costume collection to discover what it means to dress like a Mennonite. She is from Iowa City, Iowa.