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Gorillas in our Midst

Wine Recital Hall

Ella Brown, University of Michigan Researcher at Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, will share the results of her NSF-funded research with wild male mountain gorillas; specifically, how male gorillas become silverbacks, and why individuals may mature at different rates. Her findings bring us closer to understanding our shared evolutionary lineage. Her presentation will feature original footage of wild mountain gorillas nearly 12,000ft high in the volcanoes of Rwanda.  

Xcommunicada: Comics and Graphic Novels as Social Critique

Wine Recital Hall

Dr. Lizbette Ocasio-Russe, professor of creative writing at Southern New Hampshire University, discusses the power of comics and graphic novels and their role of problematizing canonic literature. Her webcomic "Xcommunicada" uses fictional storylines set in nonfictional places to critique heteropatriarchal hegemony that shaped political, economic, and social forces by colonizing and eradicating indigenous natives and their beliefs. "Xcommunicada" celebrates humanity and embraces diverse beliefs, as demonstrated by the protagonist who must get in touch with her ancestors’ native beliefs in order to defeat the evil plaguing her home.

Community and Shakespeare in an Indiana Prison

Wine Recital Hall

Dr. Stacy Erickson-Pesetski, professor of English & associate dean of academic affairs at MU, shares her experiences reading Shakespeare with incarcerated adults and juveniles in Indiana prisons and jails for the past 12 years. She suggests that programs like this are an important and needed piece of the criminal justice system and gives evidence that they increase literacy, promote community, and offer emotional outlets for those recovering from trauma and addiction. Paired with a screening of the 2024 film Sing Sing on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Sing Sing Film Viewing

Wine Recital Hall

In conjunction with the Oct. 27 program, join us for a showing of the 2024 film Sing Sing, followed by a discussion with Dr. Stacy Erickson-Pesetski. The film's runtime is 1 hour 45 minutes.

Faith in the Field: Hospital Chaplaincy

Wine Recital Hall

Clarke Staton, chaplain resident at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, will discuss his work as a hospital chaplain. A former youth pastor, he has completed three Clinical Pastoral Education units at Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital system, most recently serving as one of their select resident interns.

Alternative Dispute Resolution and F.E.M.A.

Wine Recital Hall

Tim Ruebke, former alternative dispute resolution deployable field advisor, will talk about his work as an alternative dispute resolution advisor (conflict mediator) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for which he has deployed to over 40 different disaster response locations in the U.S. He will explore the complexities of resolving conflict and explain key principles of effective conflict engagement.

Senior Spotlight

Wine Recital Hall

MU seniors Carmen Reno and Payton Elsrod will share their distinctive ways of making the most of their college experience and becoming their best selves. Coming from two different disciplines, Reno and Elsrod will share foundational values relevant for all students.

Farmwise Indiana and MJSH Farm to School

Wine Recital Hall

Becky Landes, regional value chain professional with Farmwise Indiana and former school food service director, will share insights from her career in child nutrition—including efforts to bring local farm produce into the Manchester Junior-Senior High School cafeteria—and discuss her current work supporting local food systems and promoting social responsibility in food supply chains.

IMAGINATION AT WORK: FUSING ART & INNOVATION IN THE LIBRARY

Heidi Lovett, MLIS, is the Youth Services Manager of the St. Joseph County Public Libraries. What if libraries were more than quiet places full of books? What if they were spaces for painting, building, creating—and reimagining how we connect with kids and communities? In this engaging presentation, discover how one children’s librarian turned her passion for art into a series of innovative library projects that bring stories to life in unexpected ways. From hands-on art programs to interactive installations, learn how creativity can reshape what a library looks like and what it offers. Whether you’re into education, art, or just want to make a difference in your community, this talk will inspire you to think outside the bookshelves.