Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy

An opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions around faith and public policy

The Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy (MNC) is a unique living and learning community where students and community members engage in meaningful discussions around faith and public policy. The MNC annually admits 15 D&E students, both resident and non-resident. Residents and members come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, but all share a commitment to exploring the role of faith in shaping public policy and discourse. Students apply and are selected for the MNC based on academic achievement, a strong record of community engagement, and a personal vision of how faith can intersect with public policy to improve the community.

The MNC House has space for 10 residents and is the site of the center’s weekly dinner gatherings. At these events, students host guests from the college, the local community, and beyond, preparing dinners and engaging in discussions about social issues. The house also features space for workshops and community events, as well as a faith and public policy library.

Mission

The MCN fosters a living-learning community where students and members of the D&E community can discuss the intersection of faith and public policy, modeling civil discourse and respectful conversations. The MCN also strives to create and sustain a community where meaningful discussions around faith and public policy can thrive, fostering civil discourse in a polarized world.

The Center aims to:

Create community through space, activities, outreach, and friendship.
Make a difference by growing that community on and beyond the D&E campus.
Model good civil discourse.
Promote academic and vocational excellence.

Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy

Establishment and History

The Center was established in 2017. Since its creation, it has served as a place for community-based learning that allows select students to grow and practice together the arts of public discourse, ethics, and neighborliness.

The Center was founded to:

Create a community to explore the intersection of faith and public policy, encouraging a faith perspective to bear on political issues and promoting the common good.
Spur and honor academic excellence.
Allow the center to operate as a resource, a draw to students and faculty, and a builder of bridges to other people and places to make a difference in the life of the college.

What Our Students Say

“The Morrison-Novakovic Center is a place where I feel deeply connected with my peers through fellowship over our weekly home-cooked dinners. It’s somewhere where my intellect is constantly being challenged and developed through extensive discussion on different prevalent topics with new guests each week. Everyone comes with an open mind and heart, ready to listen and truly cultivate a learning atmosphere.”

– Aly Miller, Center-connected student

Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy group dinner

Weekly Engagement and Events

The life of the center revolves around weekly dinner meetings with students, faculty, and guest speakers who share perspectives on current issues. These gatherings foster community and build understanding.

Center events include:

Weekly dinners with community guests.
Student-led “Tough Talks” forums focusing on difficult campus issues.
Special sessions with visiting campus speakers and lecturers.
Workshops on conducting civil public discourse.
Bi-annual trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with leaders in the faith and public policy areas.

Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy students activity fair

How to Apply

The Center comprises a small group of both resident and non-resident students, offering an intimate community focused on engaging conversations and personal growth. Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply.