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James Sturm

Since they first began appearing in newspapers in the late 19th century, comics have captivated audiences with their blend of artistry, humor, and adventure. They’ve evolved to become graphic novels, taking the form of journalism, literature, and memoir for both adults and children. By breaking down complex ideas clearly and succinctly, cartoons can make information more engaging and memorable. In a digital age that demands visual literacy, comics can be a powerful educational tool.

Jack Davis

How many of us have seen an eagle fly? Revered, yet endangered, the bald eagle has staged an astonishing comeback that carries a message of hope. Drawing from his latest book, The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack E. Davis will tell the illuminating story of the natural species and the national symbol. Davis, a professor of history at the University of Florida, sees the eagle’s journey as inspirational. When the eagle flies freely, we do as well.

Theo Wilson

In 2003, not long after graduating from college, Theo Wilson was handcuffed to a chair and beaten by Denver police. The trauma of that assault along with the homicide of a childhood friend, followed by the many appalling deaths of black men and women over the ensuing years, led Theo to speak out and seek healing by publishing videos on YouTube that attracted both a huge following and many hateful comments.

Tom Wessels

Coevolution is a process in nature that creates, through time, increasingly stable and resilient ecosystems. It occurs among at least two species in a mutually dependent manner and as a result of specific interactions. Driven by energy efficiency, it builds complex networks of mutually beneficial interrelationships where species become ever more specialized and tightly integrated. A classic example is that of predator-prey where there is pressure on prey to avoid capture and so predators must evolve to be more effective hunters.

Joyce Maynard

Those of us inspired to write often wonder: what is the value of telling my story - does anyone really care? Joyce Maynard, the author of numerous novels and memoirs, would say that telling the truth about one’s life is always valuable. Maynard, who has been documenting her life experiences for five decades, is committed to mentoring developing writers, from whom she learns as well as teaches.

Rosanne Leipzig

Eighty is NOT the new sixty. With aging, the benefits and risks of treatment change, as does what’s important and meaningful to us. If we and our health care providers are not thoughtful about the bigger picture, something that feels as simple as a screening blood test can result in unnecessary or even harmful treatment. When facing heart disease, infection, or cancer becomes the critical question, do we undertake every possible intervention or finally consider palliative care or hospice? Dr.

Reggie Harris

Reggie Harris is a singer, songwriter, storyteller and educator. A passionate, engaging entertainer and concert artist who draws on the lessons of history, Harris is recognized for focusing new energy on the important role of music in the struggle for human rights. His deep knowledge of the music of the underground railroad and the modern civil rights movement has shaped presentations for schools and professional development programs for teachers as well as contributed to his recordings.

Robert Goodby

The science of archaeology has laid to rest the self-serving contention of some White historians that the Monadnock region was a sparsely inhabited wilderness before the arrival of European settlers. Situated in the southern part of Ndakinna, this land was the traditional homeland of the Western Abenaki people; the archaeological record shows their continuous, deep, and extensive presence.

Maggie Fogarty

Our nation that has promised to lift the lamp beside the golden door, yet we continue to struggle with providing justice for immigrants. Despite pledges of relief for asylum seekers at our borders, as well as for millions who live here without benefit of a pathway to citizenship, immigrants remain at the center of a human rights crisis. How do we enact our commitment to their rights and dignity?

Lesley Carhart

In the past five years, several major cybersecurity incidents have publicly impacted computer and industrial systems which sustain our modern infrastructure, prompting speculation, assumptions, and even fear. In this program, Lesley Carhart will discuss the state of cybersecurity in critical infrastructure (including electrical power, water, oil and gas, and manufacturing), as well as the efforts currently being made to improve it.