ABC News Anchor Dan Harris Featured as Keynote Speaker for 2014 Alverno Community Conference

The Alverno Community Conference, an annual day of learning that provides an opportunity for the extended Alverno community to share current research around a central theme, will be held on Friday, October 3, from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The event is open to the public and, this year, will explore the theme: A Matter of Mindfulness. Mindfulness is active, open and non-judgmental attention to the present, and can be vital for developing greater focus and overall well-being. Registrants can choose from 40 topics - all connected to being more mindful - during three concurrent sessions.

This year's keynote speaker is Dan Harris, an award-winning anchor for ABC News and a New York Times Bestselling Author. His book, 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story, was published in March. Harris will share his personal journey and his common-sense advice for making the most of the here-and-now.

“The Alverno Community Conference intends to give participants opportunities to experience the vast array of practices associated with mindfulness,” said Amy Shapiro, professor of Philosophy and one of the key organizers of the event. “Recent scientific research has shown that mindfulness practices have profound consequences for those who engage them—from better concentration to greater happiness to reducing stress and anxiety and increasing well-being to managing and reducing depression to even curing physical ailments associated with stress. This conference is meant to be a contribution to our whole community in giving participants strategies for better living and, as a consequence, making our world a better place.”

Registrants are also invited to take part in The Empty Bowls Project. Participants will work with Alverno's Art faculty to create a hand-crafted bowl that will be used for a Milwaukee-area fundraiser to end local hunger.

For more information about the 2014 Alverno Community Conference, or to register, visit http://www.alverno.edu/communityconference/. Additional questions can be directed to the Telesis continuing education program, 414-382-6087, or email institute@alverno.edu.