Celebrating the Legacy of Walter H. Capps:
Professor, Humanist, Public Servant
The Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion, and Public Life is pleased to present a special two-day series of events on November 10 & 11, 2023, to celebrate and commemorate the legacy of Walter Capps in scholarship, teaching, the humanities, and public service. All events held at UCSB and livestreamed, free and open to the public! We hope you can join us!
Livestream panels on our YouTube channel.
Share memories of Walter Capps on our Facebook page.
Printed Program available here.
Schedule of Events
Friday, November 10
McCune Conference Room (HSSB 6020)
10:00am - 12:00pm
The Value of the Humanities
A panel on Walter Capps’ contributions to the humanities and the value of the humanities today, featuring prominent leaders of humanities organizations
David Marshall, Executive Vice Chancellor, UCSB
James Quay, former Executive Director, California Council for the Humanities
Ralph Lewin, Executive Director, Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund
Phoebe Stein, President, Federation of State Humanities Councils
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch
1:00pm - 3:45pm
Walter Capps and the Study of Religion
A panel on Walter Capps’ scholarly contributions and the study of religion today, featuring renowned scholars of religion who were Walter’s graduate students
Edward Linenthal, Professor Emeritus of History, Indiana University Bloomington
Wendy M. Wright, Professor Emerita of Theology, Creighton University
Tomoko Masuzawa, Professor Emerita of Comparative Literature and History, University of Michigan
Julie Ingersoll, Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Florida
Sarah McFarland Taylor, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Northwestern University
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Public Reception
Saturday, November 11
Campbell Hall
9:00am - 10:30am
Remembering the Vietnam War Class
A panel on Walter Capps’ famous course on the Vietnam War and its impacts, featuring former instructors and guest speakers for the course
Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Senator and Governor (Nebraska)
Shad Meshad, Founder and President, National Veterans Foundation
Richard Hecht, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, UCSB
10:45am - 12:00pm
Teaching Ethics and Civic Values
A panel on Walter Capps’ teaching of ethics and civic values in the classroom and beyond, featuring former students
Katya Armistead, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Student Life, UCSB
Tim Kring, Screenwriter/Showrunner (Heroes, Crossing Jordan)
J. Shawn Landres, Civic Strategist and Municipal Commissioner
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Public Remarks
An opportunity for members of the public to share memories of Walter Capps
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Lunch
Lunch available for purchase by Chiltepin Mexican Grill, a local food truck, outside Campbell Hall
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Democracy is Born in Conversation
A video presentation on Walter Capps’ 1996 congressional campaign, featuring archival footage
Alessandro Duranti, Distinguished Research Professor of Anthropology, UCLA
2:45pm - 4:15pm
The Value of Public Service
A conversation about Walter Capps’ political career and the ongoing value of public service
Henry T. Yang, Chancellor, UCSB
Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Senator and Governor (Nebraska)
Lois Capps, former U.S. Representative
Laura Capps, Santa Barbara County Supervisor
Todd Capps
Lou Cannon, journalist, author, biographer
4:15pm - 5:45pm
Public Reception
Mosher Alumni House
All events are free and open to the public!
Events may be photographed, livestreamed, and recorded.
