Marquette College of Nursing to discuss how different worldviews impact the dying process in 2024 Wake Lecture, Nov. 8

Nov. 6, 2024

MILWAUKEE - Dr. Candi Cann, associate professor of religion at Baylor University, will be the key presenter at the 2024 James Wake Memorial Lecture titled "Death, Culture, and Religion: How Different Worldviews Impact the Dying Process." The 2024 Wake Lecture will be livestreamed and presented in-person Friday, Nov. 8, at noon in David A. Straz, Jr., Hall, 1225 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Examining various traditions from a comparative perspective within a medical framework reveals varying and shifting cultural attitudes that are multi-layered and complex. Cann argues that one cannot simply examine religious cultures alone, as they are embedded in a larger social and cultural framework that impacts how dying is managed, how death is defined and how different conceptions of life after death affect grief. Ultimately, both medical frameworks and religious worldviews intersect and impact one another.

Following the keynote address, a reactor panel featuring Dr. Emily Cramer, associate professor of health communication in Marquette's Diederich College of Communication, and Dr. Wendy Peltier, professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, will discuss how anyone can apply this information to provide culturally appropriate care.

"Understanding the culture, values and wishes of each patient is central to providing person-centered care, which is especially important at the end of life," said Dr. Stacy Barnes, interim director of Marquette's Institute for Palliative and End-of-Life Care. "This year's memorial lecture will help educate the current and future health workforce about a wide variety of cultures and religions, so we can better support the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of diverse patients and families."

Registration for both in-person and virtual attendance is available online. Media wishing to cover the lecture or speak with any participants should contact Kevin Conway at [email protected].

The annual Wake Lecture is hosted by the Marquette University College of Nursing and the Institute for Palliative and End-of-Life Care. It is a biennial event in memory of James Wake, former chaplain and husband of former Marquette provost Dr. Madeline Wake. James Wake's career was devoted to helping others through social work and chaplaincy.

About Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or [email protected].