Feb. 6th
Joe Blasdel & The Supernaturally Fantastic McKendree Debate Team
People of the Mouth
Did you know that McKendree's debate team is a nationally-ranked powerhouse that often clobbers teams from much larger schools? Team members will demonstrate what they do at competitions and discuss their experiences. (Please Note: We can’t guarantee a safe outcome if you mouth off at them.)
Feb. 13th
Ann Collins
All Hell Broke Loose: American Race Riots
from the Progressive Era through World War II
Ann Collins, assistant professor of Political Science, will discuss her research on race riots. Where did they occur? How common were they? How many people died? What caused them?
Feb. 20th
Vickie Newton
Yes, really, the one you watch on the tube
The well-watched anchor of News 4 St. Louis will present
“Who Are YOU? – Become the Next Generation of History Makers!” Click here to learn more about our guest
Feb. 27th
Eric Brende
Better Off Without IT?
Yup, take the book title (Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology) and pun it all the way! Let this daring author challenge your use of electricity, gadgets and other modern “conveniences.” If we’re using so many labor-saving devices, why is it really hard to meet anyone who isn’t rushing around? Are all these machines helping us more than they’re hurting us? Is it time to unplug? Junk your car? Oil your walking shoes?
March 5th
Jean Sampson & the McKendree Business Ethics Team
“No, really, I would feel wrong
to charge you that much!”
Sampson, assistant professor of management, and team members will discuss their upcoming trip to Los Angeles to participate in the National Intercollegiate Business Ethics Competition. What issues arise at these competitions? How does the team plan to take home the trophy this year?
March 19th
Brenda Boudreau & Tami Eggleston
You’ve Come a Long Way … Maybe:
Women and Politics in the 21st Century
With Hillary Clinton running for president it’s a great time to focus on how gender is perceived by media and society. Our professorial guests will briefly summarize the history of women in politics and show how the media has represented gender and politics. What are the unique challenges for women in politics? Will the United States ever be ready for a female president?
March 26th
Walter Bargen
LAAADIEEES AND GENNNTLLLEMEN:
Please rise for the First Poet Laureate of Missouri
What a lucky break! We’ve been trying to drag Walter into our petite coliseum for a couple years; in the interim, the right people waved their magic wands – and POOF! – now he’s famous. Mr. Bargen will read from his many award-winning books and radiate you with his abundant charm and humor.
April 2nd
Michelle Magnussen & Friends
The Unbelievable, Fantastic and Completely
Private Thoughts of I, Eugene Morris Jerome
Have you ever felt misunderstood? Does your family drive you crazy? Do you spend a lot of time thinking about S-E-X? Do you feel like your life could be the basis for a comedy? That’s what Eugene thinks, and his journal is the backbone of Neil Simon’s most popular comedy, Brighton Beach Memoirs. Join the director, designer, cast and crew as they discuss bringing a very funny dysfunctional family from 1937 Brooklyn to life in 2008. For more info, click here.
April 9th
Tom Weil
Writings & Roamings
So, you think you’re a traveler? This dude is the traveler’s traveler. Not only has he been to more than 160 countries – but he’s written many travel books and more than 200 travel articles. For 13 years, he wrote the popular “Roaming with Weil” column for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and his travel articles have run coast-to-coast, from The New York Times to the Los Angeles Times.
April 16th
Marc Thayer
Making Music in Iraq
The director of education and community partnerships for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra spent 10 days in 2007 teaching and rehearsing with local musicians in Erbil, Iraq. What did he see? What did he learn? You can check out his blog at this site
April 23rd
Jim Feher & Friends
McKendree, The World & The Environment
Professor Feher, students, and other guests will discuss Earth Day and what we can do to renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world. What is McKendree doing to help Mama Earth? What still needs to be done here and elsewhere? How can you be a part of the solution?
April 30th
David Boggs & Students
The Other Side of the Podium
The director of McKendree’s bands and music students will offer insight into their experiences as conductors. Before your very eyes, student conductors will lead the concert band. What does it feel like to command an army of musicians? What makes a good conductor?