Priest, Notre Dame political science instructor will discuss civility, peaceful relations at Seton Hill

A priest, political science instructor and official at the University of Notre Dame will speak on the need for civility and peaceful relations during an October visit to Seton Hill University in Greensburg.

The Rev. Robert A. Dowd’s public lecture, “Breaking Cycles of Violence: Toward a More Civil and Sustainable Future,” is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 2 in Cecilian Hall on the second floor of the university’s administration building.

Dowd’s lecture will look at the ways society has condoned violence toward the Earth and toward each other and the resulting price we are all paying. A panel response with Seton Hill faculty members and a student will follow.

Dowd was appointed vice president and associate provost for interdisciplinary initiatives at Notre Dame in 2021. He holds a master’s degree and doctorate in political science and is the author of “Christianity, Islam and Liberal Democracy: Lessons from sub-Saharan Africa.”

He is researching religion and the integration of migrants and refugees in Europe and North America as well as the effects of faith-based schools on citizenship and civic engagement in Africa. He is a fellow of the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.

Dowd also will visit university classes as part of Seton Hill’s Setonian Mission Formation Program. Supported by a six-figure commitment from anonymous benefactors, the program’s goals include fostering Catholic intellectual life across the campus and helping students explore the liberal arts in an enriching Catholic framework.