b'even provide reading lists that help students preparefor their visits.Aranda ranked the viewpoints of those scholarsamong the best aspects of the class, calling the speakers,in a word, fantastic. They provide historical perspec-tive to modern conflicts that are described as religious.Youre thinking, Oh, gosh, this all happens today,but it traces way back, Aranda said. Its reallywonderful the way he incorporates all these modernelements into the seminar.The course drew his attention as a sophomore, butmy schedule never allowed me to take it until this year,said Aranda, noting he had heard good things aboutFr. Heft and wasnt disappointed. Hes easy to get alongwith. It was wonderful to have this class with him.At 79, Fr. Heft is more than 50 years older than mostof the students, but he connects well with them. In fact,students were surprised at the dinner/class to learnof the huge age gap. FATHER JAMES HEFTI did not realize how old he is until I was at his Age: 79house, Makmak said. I thought, Wow, heres an Hometown: Clevelandolder gentleman, but in the way he carries himself,it does not come off like that. EducationFr. Heft has been a college professor for 45 years,BA, Philosophy, University of Dayton (Ohio),1962since joining the faculty in 1977 at Marianist-sponsoredMA, Ph.D., Historical Theology, University University of Dayton. He remained active in the class- of Toronto, 1977room while serving seven years as provost and thenas chancellor at Dayton, as well as while serving as Society of Marypresident of IACS for 14 years. He founded the InstituteFirst Vows: 1962at age 63, when most work-a-day Americans are eyeingPerpetual Vows: 1968retirement. He stepped aside as president in 2020,Ordination: 1973but still serves on four commissions and a board of Ministrytrustees, along with working on numerous bookTeacher, English and Religion, Purcell Highprojects and research. And, of course, he still teaches School, Cincinnati, 1965-67two classes every fall. Director of Youth Programs, Bergamo EcumenicalMarianist Brother Bernie Ploeger, a longtime friend, Center, Dayton, Ohio 1967-69said Fr. Heft is energized by being in the classroom andTeacher, Religion, Archbishop Moeller Highhas a special gift for connecting with young adults. School, Cincinnati, 1973-74It honors them that someone like Jim takes themProfessor, Department of Religious Studies,seriously and answers them seriously, seriously enough University of Dayton, 1977-2006that you can agree or disagree with him, he said.Chairman, Department of Religious Studies,That sort of engagement is an important thing to University of Dayton, 1983-89give of yourself.Provost, University of Dayton, 1989-96Fr. Heft modestly describes his continued classroomProfessor of Faith and Culture, University ofDayton,1996-2006role as helping students think carefully about complexChancellor, University of Dayton,1996-2006issues, and after many decades, you realize there areFounder/president, Institute for Advancedmany angles. Catholic Studies, University of Southern His Religions & Violence students learned that California, Los Angeles, 2006-20firsthand.Alton Brooks Professor of Religion, USC,Aside from being an amazing teacher and great lec- 2006-presentturer, hes a very interesting person, Makmak said.\x00marianist.com/donate 15'