Young Scholars Literary Symposium Schedule
Mysteries and Mayhem
Feb. 21, 2026
Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia
This year’s keynote speaker, Heidi Christopher, will reflect on her experiences as an SU student and alumna and on penning her groundbreaking first novel, Lies the Dirt Keeps.
Heidi Christopher was raised in southern North Carolina and now lives on a mountain in Virginia with her family, which includes a golden retriever, a golden doodle, and four sassy cats. While studying English Literature at Shenandoah University, Heidi was a contributing writer for the university newspaper. Now, she’s a freelance editor specializing in academics for grades K-12. Her debut psychological thriller, Lies the Dirt Keeps, was published in November 2025.
Instagram @heidicwrites and Bluesky and @HeidiChristopher.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| noon – 4:30 p.m. | Registration Check-In & Information Desk | Henkel Foyer |
| 12:45 – 12:55 p.m. | Opening Remarks | Henkel, Hester Auditorium |
| 1 – 2:15 p.m. | Concurrent Breakout Sessions | Henkel Classrooms |
| 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. | Concurrent Breakout Sessions | Henkel Classrooms |
| 4 – 5 p.m. | Closing Remarks & Reception | Henkel, Hester Auditorium |
| 7 – 8 p.m. | Film Registration Check-In | Henkel Foyer |
| 7:30 – 8 p.m. | Film Panel Remarks | Henkel, Hester Auditorium |
| 8 – 10 p.m. | Film | Henkel, Hester Auditorium |