Date: October 01, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM St. Francis Center

Each academic year, Briar Cliff University's Theology Department hosts the Ruth Agnes Ahlers Lecture, to continue the good work of its namesake through contemplating the University's Catholic and Franciscan intellectual heritage in order that we may, as a community, better live out our mission and identity. This year’s Ahlers Lecturer is Dr. Trish Zimmerman.

Trish Zimmerman teaches religion at St. Olaf College. She earned her MA and PhD from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Her research and teaching explore the history of Christianity, with a particular emphasis on the diversities of Christian thought and practice, feminist theology, theology of food, and comparative mysticism. She also co-teaches in the Environmental Conversation program and has long contributed to the Enduring Questions/Great Conversation curriculum. Her current project, A Mysticism of Place: Minnesota Biomes as Holy Encounter, reflects her ongoing research into the intersection of spirituality and environment.

This year’s lecture speaks to the academic theme “reverencing creation,” and weather permitting, a prairie walk in the adjacent prairie will take place at 4pm.

Sr. Ruth Agnes Ahlers, OSF, (1917–2006), in whose name we host this event, was Professor and Professor Emerita of Theology at Briar Cliff University from 1967–2000. Trained in theology during the pivotal years on the cusp of Vatican II, Sr. Ahlers helped Briar Cliff and the Sioux City Diocese receive the theological developments of the council, and was known for her passionate devotion to the Eucharist, and for placing a strong emphasis on the role that worship plays in our formation and flourishing.

This event is free and open to all students, faculty, staff, and the broader Siouxland community.