Alpha Sigma Nu welcomed Rev. Ryan Duns, SJ, PhD and Dr. Conor Kelly, PhD to the Haggerty Museum of Art for a rich and engaging book talk on imagination, meditation, and discernment in the Ignatian tradition. Guided by moderator Kelsey Palmer Brenn (MU ’08), the conversation drew alumni and friends of Jesuit education into a lively exploration of how faith and reflection can shape real-life choices. Fittingly, the authors shared that their book is dedicated to Alpha Sigma Nu members.
Throughout the evening, Fr. Duns and Dr. Kelly spoke to the transformative power of imagination and the Ignatian Examen for young adults navigating identity, vocation, and belief. Reflecting on Jesus’ healing of the man with the withered hand, Fr. Duns described how shame can be transformed into wholeness, noting that students resonate deeply with the idea that “their imaginations [can be] graciously transformed to see themselves as lovable by God, which is hard for them to sometimes imagine.” Kelly connected this to discernment, explaining that in the Examen we learn to “become aware, understand, [and] take action,” (the Ignatian B.U.T.) paying close attention to our deepest consolations and discomforts, or desolations, as invitations from God.
The speakers also stressed that theology, especially in a Jesuit context, is less about memorizing answers and more about asking the right questions. Dr. Kelly described the heart of the course, and the book, as helping students wrestle with “what are things I value most, and how do I actually live those values in my life?” Fr. Duns framed the classroom as running on “two tracks”: academic rigor through daily quizzes and readings, and an “existential, spiritual encounter” that can’t be graded but can be invited through imaginative exercises and honest reflection. With that spirit in mind, and with their book dedicated to Alpha Sigma Nu members, Fr. Duns and Dr. Kelly invited attendees to go beyond merely “looking at the fish in the aquarium” and instead “jump in the tank” of a living Catholic tradition.
Alpha Sigma Nu members will have a special opportunity to do just that in summer 2026 through an exclusive summer reading opportunity featuring signed copies of the book.
