As the outdoor temperatures plummet and our focus tends inward, a free weekly winter series entitled "Soup and Hope" begins on Wednesday, January 14th at noon in Sage Chapel, thanks to the generous support of Cornell Dining. Every other Wednesday through the end of March, we invite you to bring a bowl and come inside for some steaming soup with hearty bread--and to listen to stories of hope. These stories come from individuals in our community whose bold and compassionate efforts toward lasting social change promise to nurture and sustain us through the cold days ahead.

This series was inspired by the work of civil rights veterans, Vincent and Rosemarie Freeney Harding, who in 1997 founded Veterans of Hope, a project that encourages a healing-centered approach to community-building and recognizes the interconnectedness of spirit, creativity and citizenship. Valuing storytelling as both art and education, this remarkable project draws together the life-stories of people in all walks of life who are veterans of struggles for freedom and justice in this country and around the world.

This series is offered to the Cornell community as an opportunity to come in from the mid-day chill and find nourishment for mind, body and spirit. Hope is nurtured when we take a moment to break bread with each other and to share stories that open the heart to greater possibilities.

Last year featured Cal Walker, Kathy Luz Herrera, Marty Luster and Carol Kalafatic. This year is looking every bit as inspiring: Ken McClane, Jocelyn Getgen, Richard Kiely, Gary Stewart, Vivian Relta and Anke Wessels. Follow the links below for their bios.

This series is co-sponsored by Cornell Dining, Cornell United Religious Work (CURW),the CRESP Center for Transformative Action, CU Wellness, the Department of Music, Division of Human Resources, Employee Assembly and Gannett Health Services.