AU professor to discuss pope's visit to U.S.

"What You Should Know Before Pope Francis Visits the U.S." will be explored at Aurora University at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. The public is invited.

Aurora's Heidi Schlumpf, author, journalist and associate professor of communication at Aurora University, will speak in Perry Theatre, 349 S. Gladstone Ave. in Aurora. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Call (630) 844-4924, email artsandideas@aurora.edu or visit auartsandideas.com.

Schlumpf's presentation opens the university's 2015-16 faculty speaker series, part of the Celebrating Arts and Ideas series of 29 events, including lectures, music, theater and exhibits.

Schlumpf said, "Learn how Pope Francis is taking the Catholic Church in a new, actually old, direction, resulting in much positive public relations for the church."

Her professional credentials include author, "While We Wait: Spiritual and Practical Advice for those Trying to Adopt"; editor, "The Notre Dame Book of Prayer"; columnist for The National Catholic Reporter. She is a two-time recipient of the Eileen Egan Award for reporting on the developing world from Catholic Relief Services and numerous other awards for religion writing and reporting.

Schlumpf earned a master's degree from Northwestern University's Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a bachelor's degree in American studies from University of Notre Dame.

Her areas of specialization are feminist theology, intercultural communication, journalism, social media and writing.

Campus activities include advising to AU Spartan News, online student newspaper; Spartan mentor, cheer and dance team; and member, faculty development and graduate affairs committees.