October 19, 2009
For Immediate Release
For more information: Toni Harris (801) 863-6816
University Marketing & Communications: Erin Spurgeon, (801) 863-6807
Written by: Vegor Pedersen (801) 863-7068
Utah Valley University is introducing a new program and a new conference to go with it. “Exploring the Miracle: The 2009 Conference on Adoption” will be hosted by the College of Humanities & Social Sciences’ new Family Studies emphasis Monday, Nov. 2 in the Sorensen Student Center.
Students and community members are invited to hear experts in the field of adoption discuss a wide variety of topics and issues appealing to the interests of birth families, adoptive families, prospective adoptive families, adoptees and adoption professionals.
“The UVU Conference on Adoption provides an important resource to families and individuals seeking information relating to the varied aspects of adoption,” said Toni Harris, assistant dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and coordinator of the conference. “This exemplifies UVU’s mission of community engagement by providing a forum for professionals to share information and expertise with the local public.”
There will be sessions focusing on how to adopt, unique challenges faced by adoptive adolescents, trans-cultural and trans-racial adoption issues, perspectives from adoptive and birth parents, and much more.
“The conference will appeal to anyone interested in or impacted by the miracle of adoption,” Harris said.
The conference’s keynote speaker will be Michael McLean, a Utah musician who has recorded more than 25 albums and whose tune “From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours” has become something of an unofficial theme song for many adoptive families. McLean will share some of the stories and insights he has collected from families involved in the adoption process.
Former professional football player Luther Ellis, once named “The Strongest Man in the NFL” by Muscle and Fitness Magazine, will also speak on his experiences adopting six children. Professionals from the National Council for Adoption and the Utah Adoption Council will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions and discuss current trends.
The conference is free and open to the public. For more information please visit http://www.uvu.edu/hass/adoption/index.html. To register please visit https://aceware.uvsc.edu/CourseStatus.awp?~~09FCCE01001P.
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