The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce The Margaret Diddams ’83 Annual Lecture on Faith and Learning on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Barrows Auditorium (Billy Graham Hall).

Dr. Danielle Corple, who serves as Assistant Professor of Communication, will be giving this year’s lecture, which is titled “Self-Sacrificing or Self-Seeking? Examining Tensions of Profit and Purpose in Christian Business Practice.”

In her lecture, Dr. Corple addresses the question of whether embracing Christian values makes a business more successful. Many argue that forms of “organizational spirituality” yield financial and social benefits for a firm, such as higher profits or a better reputation. However, Christian Scriptures and tradition make clear that pursuing righteousness does not guarantee an earthly return. In fact, it often yields the opposite-- suffering. Therefore, should we expect that virtuous or ethical practices lead to organizational benefits? What happens when pursuing Christian values comes at a cost? Dr. Corple draws on theological and biblical texts to explore these questions in her case study of a self-identified “for-profit ministry.”

Danielle Corple, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Wheaton College. Her research examines issues of empowerment, equity, and ethics, particularly in organizational contexts such as nonprofits, social enterprises, and social movements. Her work has been published in over ten peer-reviewed journals and multiple edited books. Some of her recent projects include how nonprofit social enterprises employ trafficking survivors, how domestic violence survivors communicate and organize online, and how organizational cultures shape issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is currently engaged in a participatory research project to understand how grassroots nonprofit leaders aim to change funding and decision-making in the women’s development sector. In addition to her research and teaching, Dr. Corple is passionate about organizing for social change, having worked or volunteered at various nonprofit organizations that fight gender-based violence.

The event is free and open to the public with a light reception following the event. We hope that you will consider joining us to support the Wheaton College Faith and Learning Initiatives.

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