April 7, 2025, 6:30pm
University of St. Francis
Achatz Hall of Science, Parkview Physicians Group Auditorium
2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Light Refreshments 6:30pm, Lecture 7:00pm
SPEAKER
Melissa Shanks
Beauty in the Broken:
The Gift of Caregiving in the Culture of Life
TOPIC
Melissa Shanks is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture and a registered architect. Throughout her career, she has focused on promoting beauty and community within the built environment, a pursuit that has taken on new meaning in her personal life.
Married for over 21 years to Jason Shanks, Melissa is the mother of five children. Their journey took a challenging turn when their oldest daughter was born with a rare genetic condition. In late 2020, the family faced another significant trial when Jason contracted a severe case of COVID-19, resulting in a three-month hospitalization, including six weeks of intubation and sedation. Their experience during this health crisis garnered national attention, earning them the title of “Catholics of the Year” in 2021 from Our Sunday Visitor, recognizing their faith and resilience.
Melissa currently serves on the Sacred Art and Architecture Committee for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and on the board of the Fort Wayne chapter of Legatus as Past President.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
RSVP
(RSVP requested but not required)
About the Cultura Vitae Lecture Series
The Cultura Vitae Lecture Series was established during Chesterton Academy’s inaugural academic year as an effort of the school to educate the greater community and to build what Pope John Paul II called “the culture of life.” To that end, the series is dedicated to bringing scholars and accomplished individuals to speak on a variety of issues that directly affect the protection of the human person, the family, and the building up of the common good.