News and Events
The Power of Positive: Celebrating Human Goodness
The University of Findlay will devote a year celebrating human goodness through The Power of Positive. Spearheading the Power of Positive project is Dr. John Malacos, 2010/2011 Richard Wilkin COLA Faculty Chair.
“I have always believed that people want to lead meaningful lives, learn how to grow, and enhance their experiences of love, work and play,” says Malacos. “It is my hope that this year, we could make a small impact in helping our students grow and live a more positive life.”
The celebration of human goodness will begin in November with six different virtues being explored each month. The following virtues will be highlighted.
Virtue/Character Strength Month GratitudeNovember Spirituality/HopeDecember Wisdom/CreativityJanuary Compassion/LoveFebruary Courage/PerseveranceMarch Forgiveness/HumilityApril
According to Malacos, the year-long project is focusing on the goal of investigating, stimulating and perpetuating human goodness. Activities are planned to raise awareness of the topic on campus and within the community. “In the midst of many negative activities and attitudes occurring in the world now, this project offers an opportunity to focus on what is good in peoples’ lives and what qualities that research has shown that enable them to become more happy, healthy and successful,” he said.
Since August, a committee of approximately 25 individuals, including community members and University faculty and staff, has been brainstorming ways to incorporate positive events into the community and beyond. In the coming months, additional events and activities are planned. A lecture on teaching and caring is planned for February, and another on courage leadership will take place in March. UF’s Campus Compact will spearhead a Pay it Forward movement, and Circle K will highlight the monthly virtues in connection with their service projects. Virtues will also be highlighted through The University of Findlay Senior Forum, Campus Compact, America’s Promise and Hancock Leadership. In the Findlay community, local media will be promoting positive people and events, and many local organizations will highlight the virtues each month in a variety of ways. The Courier is accepting nominations for individuals who embody the virtue being focused on during the month. Nominations should include the person’s name and contact information, if available, as well as a brief description of why this person is deserving of the nomination. E-mail the nomination by the 15th of each month to family@thecourier.com
To conclude the series, a Convocation Event will be held April 5-6, in conjunction with the Senior Forum and the Psychology Conference, featuring national speakers, Drs. Christopher Peterson and Nansook Park, Psychology professors from the University of Michigan.
“It would be a year that I hope would lead to insight and growth for many people and would celebrate the human goodness that surrounds our lives,” states Malacos.
For more information, visit Findlay.edu keyword: positive.
POSITIVE LIVE!
Click here to read The Courier's article: 'Gratitude' topic of kick-off presentation
Click here to read The Courier's article: Accentuate the Positive
