From staff reports

Two Asbury english majors recently read research papers focusing on diversity and position of values at the C.S. Lewis and Friends Colloquium in Upland, Indiana.

Annalen Branter, 19, and Kayla Beebout, 20, presented papers which were originally written for the Lewis and Tolkien class offered at Asbury University. After both students submitted their papers for consideration for the event after receiving comments and suggestions in their course at the university, Brantner’s presentation focused on diversity in Lewis’ novel “Out of the Silent Planet,” while Beebout presented an analysis on the position of values in a post-Christian society after examining two of Lewis’ antagonists.

Asbury English Professor Dr. Devin Brown presented at the conference and said the Lewis and Friends Colloquium has a reputation of being both scholarly and welcoming.

“Besides simply being great fun for me, having four of my students attend the conference served as a reminder of their tremendous potential and the wonderful future that lies ahead of them,” Brown said. “I was extremely proud of the way they were able to fit right in and participate in this gathering of professional academics.”

Also in attendance where Bethany and Caleb Engler, who were also engaged in the Lewis and Tolkien class at the university.

“I had dreamed of being a Tolkien scholar for years,” said Beebout in a prepared statement. “Participating at this conference showed me how encouraging and supportive the Inklings scholarly community is and opened up opportunities for me to pursue that dream.”

All four students have stated they will be submitting papers to the next colloquium to be held in another two years.

“The conference was a unique experience and a great opportunity to meet new friends and talk to people who share the same enthusiasm as I do for Lewis and Tolkien,” said Caleb. “It was also great to learn more about the lesser-known members of the Inklings as well as other authors who influenced their writings.”

The colloquy also included presentations from internationally known scholars, which included keynote speakers President of the George MacDonald Society Stephen Prickett; and author Crystal Downing, who wrote the award-winning book “Writing Performances: The Stages of Dorothy Sayers.”

Learn more about Asbury University’s English Department by visiting www.asbury.edu/academics/departments/english/.