Speakers Open Eyes and Minds through Academic Lecture Series

When St. John’s University’s Academic Lecture Series concluded its Spring 2013 season this month, the program had enlivened intellectual life on campus with an eclectic roster of speakers ranging from Pulitzer Prize winning writers to a popular rap musician and author. 

Introduced in 2006 and sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Office of the Provost, the series embodies the University’s commitment to academic excellence and social justice. This year’s lectures ran from February 8–May 2, once again providing “a vehicle for engaging the St. John’s community in discussions about local and global issues of interest to a Vincentian institution,” said James Salnave, Associate Dean for Student Development. 

“One of the highlights this year,” said Kathryn Hutchinson, Ph.D., Vice President, Student Affairs, “was Nicolas Kristof’s lecture about the prevalence of human rights abuses against women and girls throughout the world.  Topics like this generate student and faculty discussions about strategies to eliminate the causes of poverty and social injustice.”

Kristof appeared at St. John’s on March 12 with his wife, Pulitzer Prize-winner and best-selling author Sheryl WuDunn. Together they co-authored the much-heralded book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. It was required reading for St. John’s entering freshmen this year.  

“Their talk was eye-opening,” commented Jessica Wong ’16TP, who was part of a packed audience. “It really put my life into perspective and made me realize how lucky I am. I felt empowered after the lecture and eager to make a difference.”  

On April 15, Common, the renowned rapper, activist and writer, also drew a full house. “It was very exciting to be able to see my favorite musician in person,” said Brianna Pippins, ’12CPS, ‘14G. “It was even more exciting to hear him talk, since I only know him as a performer. What he had to say about everyone having the potential for greatness was truly inspiring.”

The series concluded on May 2 with insights on the immigrant experience by two accomplished authors. From Miami to Toronto, the Caribbean diaspora has had a powerful impact on the artistic and intellectual life of the United States and Canada. The authors—Jacqueline Bishop and Elizabeth Nunez—read from their recent works and discussed their experiences as immigrants from Jamaica and Trinidad, respectively.

Planning for the 2014 Academic Lecture Series is already underway, noted Salnave. “We’re all excited about the prospect of continuing to enliven intellectual life on campus by introducing new creative thinkers to the St. John’s community,” he said.