Award-winning author and Valparaiso University faculty member Walt Wangerin Jr. will discuss fatherhood during a June 20 breakfast at a Valparaiso church in celebration of Father’s Day weekend. Wangerin, Emil and Elfriede Jochum University professor, will speak at 9 a.m. at Calvary Church, 1325 Evans Ave. The breakfast is free and open to the public, but those planning to attend must RSVP by June 14 to the Calvary Church office at (219) 462-4026.
During his breakfast talk, Wangerin will discuss fatherhood and how earthly fathers and sons are shaped by the Creator’s relationship with his creation. Wangerin’s most recent book, released last spring, is “Father and Son: Finding Freedom,” a deeply personal story of brokenness, hope and reconciliation co-authored by his adopted son, Matthew.
Wangerin first came into national prominence as author of “The Book of the Dun Cow,” which won the National Book Award and was named “Best Children’s Book of the Year” by The New York Times. He is widely known as a speaker, storyteller and author of more than 30 books, ranging from novels to children’s stories to practical theology and devotionals.
Wangerin has taught creative writing, literature and theology at Valpo since joining its faculty in 1991 and recently was appointed to the position of senior research professor effective July 1. He was speaker for the Lutheran Vespers radio program from 1994 through January 2005, and he presented the keynote address at the international Festival of Homiletics in 2008.