Bryan College Student John Franklin of Fruitland Attends National Conference

2011 Oct 18

John Franklin of Fruitland, MD, was among 45 students and 18 faculty and staff members who took part in the recent Catalyst/Atlanta 2011 conference and came away challenged to "Be Present."

Tim Shetter, assistant dean of community life, said the goal of Catalyst "is training the next generation of leaders. People come from all over; there were 13,000 in attendance this year. It's a great opportunity for students to hear well-known leaders and get information from them. They (the speakers) all have good ideas and information about leadership."

Students from the Applied Christian Leadership and Advanced Christian Leadership classes Mr. Shetter and Dr. Scott Jones teach were encouraged to attend. Other students in leadership roles on campus, including resident assistants, student government officers, and athletes were invited as well.

The scheduled offered students the opportunity to choose five workshops on Wednesday, while Thursday and Friday were devoted to plenary sessions covering a wide range of topics focused on the "Be Present" theme. Speakers included Andy Stanley, Dave Ramsey, and Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church. "The idea was to be where you are; don't be distracted," Mr. Shetter said.

John, son of Keith and Elizabeth Franklin of Fruitland, was among those who attended the conference.

Bryan is a Christian liberal arts college offering two Master's degrees and Bachelor's degrees in 19 areas. The college has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years as being among the Top Tier of Southern comprehensive colleges.