College References
Northeast Ohio Medical University was extremely pleased with the fantastic presentation, “Shroud Encounter-Can Science and Faith Ever Meet?”. Russ Breault did an amazing job of educating our faculty, staff, students and community about the history and science behind the Shroud of Turin. The Audience of over 200 attendees was overwhelmingly intrigued by Russ Breault’s presentation and his expertise on the Shroud. The presentation overly met our expectations and enriched the religious diversity education that we were seeking here at our institution. I highly recommend to other higher education institutions. -Andre Burton, J.D., Executive Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH
Russ Breault’s “Shroud Encounter” presentation captivated our audience and inspired wonderful dialogue after the event. Students, faculty, staff and community members are still discussing the mysteries that were brought up around the Shroud. Russ’s approach was comprehensive, factual and extremely well researched. His style was engaging and he was able to quickly and easily explain even the most complex scientific details to clarify the evidence he was providing. We were extremely pleased with his presentation and we would gladly book him again. —Jeff Fazio, Assistant Director of Student Affairs at Penn State Schuylkill
Great event! I really enjoyed it. I also appreciate all the marketing and publicity you helped provide. Having a graphic concept and prepared releases for the community and faculty really makes things easy for us on the presenting side. Thanks for a full house event! Lyndsay A. Richter, Marketing Director UNC Charlotte, Student Union, Activities & Recreation
“Russ has a gift for making the mystery of the Shroud accessible and relevant to a new generation through his engaging facts-based approach, which wowed the many science-focused students of Johns Hopkins. Shroud Encounter has planted a seed of dialogue between science and faith within the Hopkins academic community which will continue to bear fruit over time. It was a great talk and a wonderful evening.” Andrew Guernsey, Event Coordinator, JHU Catholic Community
Thank you for coming to present Shroud Encounter at Georgia Tech! We received a lot of positive feedback. While there is so much to learn about the Shroud, you were able to pare it down into a concise and informative presentation. As a technical institute, our students like facts and evidence. You laid out the case for the Shroud without interjecting your opinion and challenged the audience to make their own conclusions. We highly recommend this presentation! Joanie Gross, Development Director, Georgia Tech Catholic Center
The presentation was wonderful! We had an audience that was engaged from start to finish and all of your reviews were positive. From the audience: “Extremely thorough and detailed explanations.” “Fascinating presentation.” “Speaker portrayed an excellent forensic approach.” “Wonderfully animated speaker.”“Addressed issues and contradictions well.” “Expert speaker.” “An international subject and historical relic explained by an expert.” “The speaker spoke on a layman’s level even though he was evidently a scholar. The visuals were excellent!” “Well organized presentation and the speaker was excellent.” Andrea Byrd, Student Life Specialist, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA
Russ Breault is a formidable scholar. As an historian with a graduate background in anthropology and archaeology and a Ph.D. in my field, I speak with some authority about the validity of Breault’s work. To be sure, it is excellent. Breault takes the audience on a journey where history, religion, archaeology, and science intersect. Through his work, Breault remains objective, detailed, and passionate, which makes his research credible and noteworthy to academics. Shroud Encounter was by the far the best academic presentation I’ve seen. It is truly an experience not to be missed.--Cole Cheek, Ph.D., Professor of History and Anthropology, Spartanburg Methodist College
“Shroud Encounter is the best event on a college campus I’ve seen in years.”–Cyril Kendrick, Professor of Sociology, Spartanburg Methodist College
“You are so passionate about this topic, and your passion made the presentation sizzle! I truly appreciated the connection of the topic across the academic disciplines. This presentation is truly an example of an interdisciplinary gem!”–Kim Day, Director of Student Activities, Spartanburg Methodist College
This presentation was fantastic! It was put together with amazing detail and effectively presented. The historical images and the tracing of the Shroud kept our entire crowd entertained. We spoke of this event days after, which means that it has had a lasting effect on us. Thank you for your expertise. — Jeff Venekamp, Director of Student Activities, Augustana College
Having Russ Breault and the Shroud Encounter was a real delight. His wisdom was able to make the dialogue between faith and science come alive on our campus. We are grateful for his visit. To quote one of our senior students as she was leaving, “I have been coming here all four years and this may be the most memorable thing that I did while in college.” James R. Mohr, Campus Chaplain, Westminster College
Russ Breault is one of the most knowledge speakers on the Shroud of Turin available. He is dedicated to telling the story of the Shroud of Turin with clarity, objectivity, and scientific accuracy.Like all people committed to discovery of the truth, Russ follows the facts and the facts lead us to conclude that the Shroud of Turin remains a mystery in many ways. It is this aspect of mystery that makes it so much fun to research and explore. — Ray Schneider, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Bridgewater College, Bridgewater Virginia.
Working with Russ Breault was truly a wonderful experience from start to finish. Russ is incredibly enthusiastic, engaging, and personable. He brings this same level of energy and commitment to his interactive presentation. Russ’s style of presenting the evidence of the Shroud was inclusive, allowing those from both faith perspectives and science perspectives to feel they were represented in the presentation. I appreciated Russ’s approach to his work and to his dedication to learning. I was completely wrapped up in the historical tracing of the Shroud of Turin’s journey as well as the intriguing scientific presentation of facts and historical references. I look forward to continued work with Russ and can confidently recommend his program and his work to others. –Liza Talusan, Director of Intercultural Affairs, Stonehill College
Shroud Encounter was an excellent presentation. Russ is a captivating and dynamic speaker that kept the attention of the audience throughout the presentation. If schools are looking for an interesting educational program that will spark good debate and conversation, this program is it. Michael Hersh, Asst. Director of Student Activities for Programming, Penn College ® “Russ Breault, a lecturer on a whirlwind tour captivated audiences last week on the Shroud of Turin. His approach is objective, analytical and leads the listener to draw his or her own conclusions.”–Military Sun Press
Russ’s presentation left students and faculty in awe and shed light on one of the greatest mysteries of all time. The students who attended the presentation were impressed with Russ’s depth of knowledge and the ease at which he spoke about such a controversial topic! The presentation spanned across a number of areas of interest. Shroud Encounter is definitely worth bringing to campus and you will not regret having Russ present on the years of research around the mysterious Shroud! Lindsey Rumancik,Assistant Director of Student Engagement,McDaniel College, Westminster, MD
“Russ was a delight to work with. Before the event, he provided excellent promotional materials that transcend by far what is typical, he makes it easy to promote a Shroud Encounter event. During the event, his well-researched and thorough presentation kept the student, faculty and staff audience captivated in the CSI type investigation of the Shroud evidence, calling upon us to think through the evidence and draw our own conclusions. People with a variety of points of view saw his presentation as informative, helpful and for some, very inspirational. The community was able to share in his presentation and have some new points of departure for conversation.” Jonathan Bratt, Campus Chaplain, Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY
“I was extremely impressed with Russ Breault and Shroud Encounter. We had a very good crowd for a secular university and you could have heard a pin drop during the whole presentation. My own students were blown away by the whole thing. I liked the way he came at the subject from so many diverse angles, incorporating all related academic disciplines: science, history, art and religion. Some grad students and professors came to the program with skepticism that his science would be selective and not supported by peer review or supported by majority opinions. However, I think even the most skeptical were impressed with the extent and fairness of his research. It was obvious Mr.Breault had faced those same questions many times before and he handled the crowd very respectfully and wisely.In a word, I thought it was GREAT!” Rev. Scott Wilkinson, United Methodist Campus Minister, East Carolina University
From the standpoint of a student programmer, I thought Shroud Encounter was fascinating because the event was based on a subject that I never would have thought even existed. To surround an entire event around the Shroud was great because it not only gave students and faculty the opportunity to learn about something historical, but it allowed these individuals to critically analyze an artifact that is questionable in some areas and factual in others. The audience response was wonderful. I was surprised and very pleased with the attendance to the event as well as the questions asked at the end. Russ Breault was amazing in his delivery. Various quotes from students included: “Very informative, respectful, and entertaining. The presenter went into great detail and the presentation was well structured and led the audience through the complex history of the Shroud without difficulty.” “Great charisma from speaker, excellent knowledge of the subject.”— Jacquelyn Green, Multicultural Center, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Russ Breault’s Shroud Encounter was so powerful, so cohesive, so balanced between rational truth, science, logic, and faith, that I was moved many times. I liked the Q & A session as much as the presentation. So many great questions showed people were really paying attention to the material. And they were mostly college students!! Anyone who works with the wonderful folks of this age range knows they will not pay attention to anything not done well, or that does not keep their attention. The presentation was a seamless presentation of science, scripture, forensics, history, first century culture and Jewish burial practices, all clearly illustrated with pictures and bullet points on the PowerPoint presentation, that he kept their attention for a solid hour and thirty minutes (plus Q & A). One of the EKU professors said, “I was amazed at how few people even got up and left. If you have been to the other lectures on campus, most students leave before the halfway mark.” I guess they were as rapt as I was. Yes, we paid a good fee to have Russ fly here to do this presentation. But it was worth ten times that!! Ken Southgate, Campus Minister, Wesleyan Foundation
You presented Shroud Encounter at Georgia Highlands College in November, and I just wanted you to know how impressed I was with that presentation. I cancelled my literature course the night of your presentation, so that my students could attend, and I am so glad that I did. The interdisciplinary implications of the presentation, and the ways it could be built upon in the classroom afterwards made this, in my opinion, the most rewarding presentation of our lecture series this school year. I would highly recommend it to any college or university. Your presentation demonstrates real-world application of many academic disciplines and demonstrates the connections between them–something our students don’t always comprehend. Follow-up discussion and assignments related to this presentation could happen in a variety of science courses, religious studies, literature, art, rhetoric, and more. Very informative and very useful in the teaching environment! Michelle Abbott, Instructor of English, Georgia Highlands College
I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation on The Shroud of Turin! I gained lots of knowledge about a subject I was only faintly familiar with and know most of my students feel the same way. Thank you for bringing your expertise to the Georgia Highlands Paulding Campus. Looking forward to bringing you again in the future. Lyric Burnett, Student Life Coordinator, Georgia Highlands College–Paulding Campus
Shroud Encounter was an outstanding presentation at our college. The audience was certainly intrigued by the mystery. Even members of the audience who knew about the Shroud came away with new information and new theories surrounding the importance of this linen cloth. Russ Breault was both informative and entertaining! People in the audience experienced a thrilling ride! William McGovern, Program Director, Sussex County Community College, Newton, NJ
“Thank you for your wonderful presentation, Shroud Encounter. We had a larger turnout than normal. Your message generated a lot of interest. Several of our members thought you were the best speaker we have ever had. A number even asked to get your speaking schedule so they could come to hear your presentation again. ” Mitch Rowland, US Naval Academy Alumni Association
I heard nothing but positive feedback from the audience. The audience liked the fact that we recognized religious diversity and that is why we saw a need to offer Shroud Encounter as part of our diversity speaker series. The students thought you were a “high quality speaker who had clearly researched the topic.” It was very interesting and thought provoking. Rita McKinley, Director, Student Life & Athletics, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH
Russ Breault’s presentation on the Shroud of Turin truly astonishes! He has a talent for taking a very complicated historical phenomenon and explaining it simply and clearly to hisaudience…exceedingly educational.We were happy to host Mr. Breault. Whatever your personal opinion is about the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, everyone can learn a lot from Mr. Breault’s presentation. Joanna Pressimone, Director of Student Activities, Alvernia University
Listening to Mr. Breault’s systematic discussion of the history and science of the Shroud of Turin had me on the edge of my seat. Methodically, scientifically and with energy and humor, he shared information from both sides of the mystery, and the visuals made the presentation come alive. Looking around at the audience of more than 200 people, I could see that I was not the only one riveted by this lesson in history, science, and faith. Lina Barbieri, Public Relations Consultant, DeSales University
I thought I had read, seen and heard all there was on the Shroud of Turin but that all changed with the presentation by Russ Breault at DeSales University. His explanation of the science, history and art of the Shroud gave his audience a unique perspective and his delivery of the facts based in scripture bordered on genius. If you have the chance to see him speak grab it with both hands! Lore Mcfadden-Westwood, Event Coordinator, DeSales University
Russ Breault’s presentation was unbelievable! Our audience was captivated. We cannot thank him enough. Thomas F. Dailey, O.S.F.S., Director, Salesian Center for Faith and Culture
Shroud Encounter is absolutely fascinating! Russ Breault is a phenomenal speaker who captivates his audience right from the start! Mr. Breault’s expert knowledge of The Shroud and its history is only transcended by his passion for the subject and the mysteries it holds. The experience is truly amazing and highly recommended! –Rosemarie Lynch, Director of Student Activities, Warren County Community College, Washington, NJ
I was very happy with the presentation! Very informative but let everyone draw their own conclusions and I appreciate how you handled questions from the audience. I loved that you enjoyed it is a mystery and that we will probably never know if it is the Shroud that was actually used to cover Jesus. People have to make their own decisions. Your promo material prior to the event was wonderful. This is always appreciated by Student Activities Programmers. Patricia Daly, Director of Student Activities, Middlesex County College, NJ
At the opening of Shroud Encounter at Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary, presenter Russ Breault invited a mixed audience of scripture scholars, theologians, chemists, and “church ladies” to become conspiracy theorists for the evening. Like a legal proceeding, Breault presented “the case of the Shroud” taking a comprehensive look at both sides of the argument–for and against its authenticity. Breault, using his story-telling manner and visual displays, exhibited the fervor and dedication of a scientist who took us on a roller-coaster ride of scientific evidence, historical accounts and contemporary theories which led us to an understanding of what the Shroud is–and isn’t.Though fascinating for all its intrigue and dizzying array of evidence, Shroud Encounter opened not just the minds of those of us who attended that night but also our hearts. –Msgr. Steven P. Rohlfs, S.T.D., Vice President and Rector, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland
I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation! I am grateful for every aspect of the experience. I value the opportunity we had to make Russ Breault’s acquaintance and the possibility to see the students of TCS benefit from his passionate research on the Shroud. The students and staff were academically stimulated by his skillful ability, personal passion, historic documentation and insightful application. I heartily recommend Mr. Russ Breault and Shroud Encounter. –Dean Demos, Headmaster, Trinity Christian School, Sharpsburg, Georgia
“Intriguing, provocative, stimulating and yet objective evidences of the Shroud’s mysteries created an atmosphere of intense excitement for the audience.”–Major David Dare, West Point Military Academy
“Russ Breault loves a good mystery, and after attending an international symposium in Rome last month, he said the plot has thickened. Mr. Breault has immersed himself in trying to unravel something experts in history and scientific circles have wrestled with for centuries.”–Atlanta Journal Constitution
“Russ Breault, who has studied the controversial relic for over 20 years, challenged some modern explanations for the mysterious piece of fabric that some say is the burial cloth of Jesus and others dismiss as a medieval hoax. Breault opened a lecture at the Sanford Institute of Public Policy Tuesday with the central mystery of the Shroud: “It either is the authentic burial shroud of Christ or it isn’t. But if it isn’t, then what is it?”–Duke University Chronicle
Shroud Encounter was great! It was very informative and kept the audience’s interest all the way through. Russ was objective and presented the information without trying to convince students towards a religious belief, but rather presented the analysis of expert research. A couple students even commented it was the best lecture they’d been to on campus. –Christy Michel, Cultural Awareness Chair, Campus Program Board
Shroud Encounter was an educational, yet interesting and enlightening presentation. It was both fast-paced and visually appealing. The students were engaged and had several questions. I would recommend Shroud Encounter for any college campus. Russ Breault neither confirms nor denies the authenticity of the Shroud but asks the audience to follow the evidence and develop their own conclusions in the end. Jessica Nickoson, Student Activities Coordinator, University of Indianapolis
“Superb presentation…research was thorough…professionally done…questions and answers were handled with wisdom and scholarship…related very well to the students.”–Clete Sipes, Baptist Student Union, Auburn University
“The audience response was beyond our expectation…enthusiastic and upbeat presentation akes for not only an educational evening but an entertaining one.”–John Burgess, Coordinator of Student Programs, Auburn University
“Shroud Encounter was very informative, but left you wanting to know more! The audience was allowed to make their own decision on the Shroud’s validity. Mr. Breault was an engaging speaker who had a passion for the subject… our students came away from the presentation happy with the experience and opportunity.” Ginger Givens, Director of Student Activities,Tennessee Wesleyan College
Shroud Encounter was an educational and informative event as part of an international programming series that allowed students to learn the intriguing history of the Shroud of Turin.–Melissa Dempsey, Coordinator for Programs and Special Events, Austin Peay State University
“Scintillating presentation…praiseworthy…will be remembered for a long time.”–Colonel Richard Lovisone, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
“Professionally presented and demonstrated excellent insights into the biblical, historical, and scientific knowledge…lack of dogmatism on the authenticity of the Shroud allowed each attendee to reach his or her own conclusion…excellent lectures, all reports extremely positive.”–Colonel John C. Scott, U.S. Army Western Command HQ, Fort Shafter, Hawaii
“Mr Breault’s program is based on his extensive research. It gives the listener the facts and allows them to draw their own conclusions” –The U.S. Army Bayonet
“Breault began following the extensive media coverage of the Shroud of Turin Research Project in 1978. He began doing presentations on the Shroud in 1981 and did 64 lectures in one year. It is a very compelling message.” –The Birmingham News
“An excellent multi-media event. Russ Brealt delivers his lecture without heavy dogmatism, carefully leaving a decision about the Shroud up to each participant. He has an extensive and accurate knowledge and he does a good job of condensing scientific jargon for a lay audience. He is an effective public communicator. Mr. Breault was well received on our Medical Center Campus and allows time for questions and answers that he handles well.” –Gerald Stevens, AB Medical Center
“Russ Breault’s Shroud Encounter presentation was exceptional. The multi-media approach captivated my students. This educational tour of the Shroud was informative and riveting. It was a magnificent example of faith and reason at work.” –Joseph Wurtz, Dean of Student Life,Christendom College, Front Royal, VA
“On Tuesday night students gathered to hear an incredible presentation on the Shroud of Turin. “It was amazing!” Freshman Fran Ginski said.”–The Christendom College Chronicler, Front Royal, VA
“1978, that is when Russ Breault began his research into the Shroud Project. He still doesn’t have an answer, but he certainly has the evidence of 100,000 scientific man-hours expended in research and analysis.”-Honolulu Star Bulletin
“Fascinating is the only one adjective I can use…I had goose bumps at times!”–Connie Parish, The Leavenworth Times
“Russ Breault, a noted lecturer, examined the smallest of details surrounding the sacred cloth’s controversial authenticity debate for those gathered to hear an expert led presentation.”–The Journal News, Martinsburg, WV
“Russ came to our September meeting and gave an in-depth presentation of the long history of the shroud, which he called Shroud Encounter. He presented information on chemical analysis, blood and pollen analysis, and textile analysis.The depth of information on the Shroud is quite impressive and cannot be captured here even in abridged form.”— U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Newsletter”
“Very much deserved praise…presentation was quite masterful.”–Dr. Ray Schneider, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, Bridgewater College, VA
“Russ Breault resembled a trial lawyer as he presented his evidence and told the audience they must judge the facts. Breault, however, was not presenting evidence in a courtroom. He was lecturing on the Shroud of Turin. “No matter how much evidence we find, we can never prove the Shroud to be the burial shroud of Christ. We can never prove it absolutely,” he said. “All we can do is present the evidence and let you decide.” –Shreveport Times
“In several different lectures Mr Breault addressed the question whether the Shroud of Turin is the burial cloth of Jesus or a medieval hoax, and explored how science and history meet to probe the world’s greatest mystery – the image on a piece of cloth. His expertise on the topic was recognized, and his lectures were well attended…delighted to have Mr Russ Breault participate…we look forward to future events… ” –Phillip H. Wiebe, PhD, Trinity Western University, Vancouver BC
“We can never prove for an absolute fact that the Shroud is the burial cloth of Christ,” said Russ Breault, who has extensively studied the scientist’s effort to analyze the Shroud. “We can never prove the image is the result of the resurrection either. But I think you can build a pretty good case for both.”–Montgomery Journal
“Mesmerizing! Russ Breault managed to captivate a national radio and television audience by weaving together a fascinating discussion about the Shoud of Turin. I know our audience, watching on FamilyNet television affiliates and listening on Sirius Satellite radio, found it educational and engrossing. Breault’s expertise as both a shroud scholar and a serious student of the Bible helped put this endearing story into its proper historical, scientific and religious perspectives. But on top of that, he spoke so passionately about a subject that has dominated his life for nearly three decades that he transformed it into a wonderfully personal journey. He’s welcome back on “Mornings” anytime.” –Larry Estepa, Host/Producer, “Mornings With Lorri and Larry” FamilyNet and Sirius Radio
Russ is a thorough, engaging guest with a fascinating topic. He can discuss the Shroud of Turin from a scientific, historical and faith-based perspective. He not only is interesting, he generated calls from our listening and viewing audience. We’d definitely have him back. — Lorri Allen, Host/Producer, “Mornings With Lorri and Larry” FamilyNet and Sirius Radio
“One of the humble guys I am proud to have as a friend is Russ Breault. It was about six months after I met Russ that I learned of Russ’ passion, he is one of a handful of Shroud of Turin experts residing in the United States. The reality is that the Shroud of Turin is a mystery worthy of a CSI episode. Russ is an example of the sort of creativity that people with a passion have.”—Ken Pyle, Managing Editor, The Viodi View
“Impressive, evidencing hours of preparation and study.”— Columbus Ledger-Enquirer