Christ the Teacher Grand Opening Speakers
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89.
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, serves as the president of Franciscan University of Steubenville. A well-known Catholic speaker and author, he has written seven books and produced multiple evangelistic films and video series including Sign of Contradiction and My father’s Father through 10th Hour Productions.
Arthur C. Brooks
Arthur Brooks is a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. He is also a columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular weekly “How to Build a Life” column.
Brooks is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 13 books, including Build the Life You Want in 2023, co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, and From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life.
Brooks is one of the world’s leading experts on the science of human happiness, appearing in the media and traveling the world to teach people in private companies, universities, public agencies, and faith communities how they can live happier lives and bring greater well-being to others.
Dr. Matthew Breuninger
Dr. Matthew Breuninger is an associate professor of psychology at Franciscan University. He has published academically on God attachment, religious/spiritual struggles, church-psychology collaboration, and virtue formation. He is also the founder and clinical director of Wellspring Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting. He has given numerous talks and retreats focusing on parenting, emotional healing, and child development. He recently published a book, Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life’s Hurts.
Heather Khym
Heather Khym is the cohost of the internationally popular Abiding Together podcast and the author of Abide. She and her husband, Jake, are the cofounders of Life Restoration Ministries, where she serves as director of vision and ministry of the British Columbia–based apostolate. She also serves as director of the Celtic Cross Foundation.
Heather has more than twenty-five years of experience as a speaker and retreat leader offering workshops and conferences in the United States and Canada. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she studied theology and catechetics.
She lives with her husband and three children in British Columbia, Canada.
Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is recognized both nationally and internationally as a public speaker and Bible teacher. He is the creator and founder of the popular Great Adventure Bible study series published by Ascension Press. He is the founding host of EWTN’s Life on the Rock, as well as Relevant Radio’s daily show, Morning Air. He has a weekly podcast, The Jeff Cavins Show. He is author of several books including Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible, co-authored with Dr. Tim Gray. He is the director emeritus and teacher at the Catechetical Institute at the St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Jeff and his wife, Emily, host pilgrimages to the Holy Land and have guided thousands of pilgrims in the steps of Jesus, Mary, and the disciples.