There are moments in life when gratitude must be expressed not only in words, but in vision, action, and service. As I mark my 50th birthday, I am deeply thankful to God for the journey so far, for the people who have supported me, and for the opportunities that have shaped my academic, professional, and personal life.

It is in this spirit of gratitude and responsibility that I am pleased to announce The Optimistic Scholar Annual Dialogue 2026 — a special gathering that brings together reflection, celebration, scholarship, and a renewed commitment to supporting others. This event is more than a birthday celebration. It is a platform for launching a bigger vision and creating meaningful conversation around scholarship, faith, leadership, and service.

Register / RSVP here:
https://forms.gle/6oBrtWYA6LZXWZME8

A Vision Born from Gratitude and Need

The vision behind the Optimistic Scholar Advancement Initiative has developed over time through lived experience, academic journey, mentorship, and a heartfelt commitment to giving back. It became even more compelling when we received 360 expressions of interest for only 3 scholarship slots. That remarkable response underscored the depth of the need and the importance of building a more sustainable platform for support. We are sincerely grateful to Theo-Sight Research & Advocacy for their valued support in making this call possible.

That reality has led to the formal launch of the

Optimistic Scholar Initiative

Advancing Scholarship, Mentorship, and Capacity Building

The initiative is designed to support future scholars, especially in the areas of librarianship, theology, digital transformation, and education. It aims to create opportunities for learning, growth, mentorship, recognition, and long-term impact.

What to Expect at the 2026 Annual Dialogue

The Optimistic Scholar Annual Dialogue 2026 will bring together several significant moments in one meaningful event.

Launch of the Optimistic Scholar Initiative

This will mark the official launch of a platform committed to advancing scholarship, mentorship, and capacity building for emerging scholars and future leaders.

Book Launch

The event will also feature the launch of my new book:

Old Verses, New Light: Reflections on Life, Memory, and the Journey of Becoming

This book is a deeply personal and reflective work that revisits poems I wrote many years ago (1999), now read again through the lenses of memory, lived experience, faith, and growth.

Presentation of Scholarship Awards

A major highlight of the event will be the presentation of scholarship awards to selected students in Nigeria. This reflects a central commitment of Optimistic Scholar: not merely to speak about hope but to invest in it.

Keynote Speakers and Dialogue Session

The event will be enriched by distinguished speakers and discussants whose work reflects the spirit of scholarship, leadership, and service.

We are honoured to welcome the following keynote speakers:

Dr. Edeama (Onwuchekwa) Jonah –Professor, Academic Librarian, Researcher, and Information Specialist, based in San Diego, California, USA
He will speak on Digital Transformation in Librarianship.

Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins – Peachtree Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth, Columbia Theological Seminary
He will bring a keynote perspective that connects faith, leadership, and public engagement.

The event will also feature a special dialogue session moderated by:

Dr. Kathy L. Dawson, Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education, Columbia Theological SeminaryShe will moderate a conversation on the role of libraries in theological study and research, with insights from an outstanding panel of discussants:

• Dr Steve Ibrahim, University of Pretoria, South Africa 
• Kwon Hosey, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur Ga
• Alapa Odugbo, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

This dialogue is expected to provide rich reflection on the intersections of librarianship, theology, scholarship, and the public good.

Theme of the Dialogue

The theme for this year’s event is:

Bridging Librarianship, Theology, and Digital Transformation for the Public Good

This theme reflects my own interdisciplinary journey and my conviction that scholarship should not exist in isolation. It should serve society, strengthen communities, encourage ethical leadership, and contribute meaningfully to the public good.

Event Details

Event: The Optimistic Scholar Annual Dialogue 2026
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Auditorium 126, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia, USA
Format: Hybrid

Why This Event Matters

The Optimistic Scholar Annual Dialogue is not simply about marking a personal milestone. It is about transforming gratitude into action. It is about building a bridge between a personal journey and public purpose. It is about creating a platform where scholarship, faith, mentorship, and service can meet in ways that inspire others.

In a world where many gifted students and emerging scholars need encouragement, access, and opportunity, this initiative represents a deliberate step toward building something that can outlive one moment and continue to bless others.

An Invitation

I warmly invite friends, colleagues, mentors, students, supporters, and members of the wider community to be part of this special occasion. Your presence, prayers, encouragement, and support will mean so much. Whether you join in person or virtually, I hope you will share in this moment of celebration, reflection, and vision.

Register / RSVP here: Seun: +1 (404) 518-2891 || Fred: +1 (404) 914-5424
https://forms.gle/6oBrtWYA6LZXWZME8

As I turn 50, I do so with gratitude in my heart, faith for the future, and renewed commitment to helping others rise.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Dr Ayodele John Alonge

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(Note: Certificates of Participation will be available upon request, particularly for participants who require them for official purposes.)