With Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucus role for the 2020 presidential election, it's fitting to have the fall lectures lineup kick off with national political commentator S.E. Cupp's talk on "Communications and Civility in Our Democracy" tonight in the Memorial Union Great Hall (7 p.m.). It's a keynote speech for the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication's fall summit.
The lectures series, a joint effort of the Student Government and provost's office, provides programming throughout the school year, often presented in collaboration with campus partners. Following are a few highlights for the fall semester. All lecture events are free and open to the public.
"My Battle with Mental Illness: Finding Hope in the Middle of Suffering"
Sept. 16, 7 p.m., MU Great Hall
Iowa State basketball alum Jake Sullivan will talk about being an award-winning performer on the court and in the classroom while silently dealing with depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.
"Free Speech and Academic Freedom"
Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m., MU Sun Room
Hank Reichman, professor emeritus at California State University, East Bay, will discuss the wide range of challenges to academic freedom -- from politics to social media.
"Our Digital Future, Through the Lens of the Past"
Sept. 26, 8 p.m., MU Great Hall
Douglas Van Houweling had a long career in information technology leadership at higher education institutions. He'll examine what we've learned, where we might be headed and how we can realize a better future.
"Un/Seen: Gender, College Going and Transgender Student World-Making"
Oct. 7, 8:15 p.m., MU Great Hall
Z Nicolazzo, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, Tempe, will discuss her research on how gender creates tension on college campuses.
"Gender and Communication on the Campaign Trail"
Oct. 10, 8 p.m., MU Great Hall
Kelly Winfrey, assistant professor in the Greenlee School, will tackle the unique challenges women candidates face to win over voters on the campaign trail.
A Conversation with Simon Groot
Oct. 14, 8 p.m., MU Great Hall
The 2019 World Food Prize Laureate and founder of East-West Seed has for decades provided vegetable seeds to farmers with small-scale operations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. His approach allowed farmers to earn more income while providing affordable vegetables with improved nutrition.
"Knowing How to Break the Rules: Set Design on Broadway"
Oct. 16, 7 p.m., MU Great Hall
Tony Award-winning set designer Rachel Hauck will talk about being a woman in the arts and ways to create more opportunities for women and people of color.
"Science, Technology and Faith"
Oct. 30, 7 p.m., MU South Ballroom
Aaron Dominguez, provost at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., is a particle physicist who is inspired by his Catholic faith to study the origins of the universe.
"Seeking Security in an Unstable World"
Nov. 19, 8 p.m., MU Great Hall
Former FBI assistant director and current NBC News national security analyst Frank Figliuzzi will talk about geopolitical threats and security at every level during an armchair conversation.
