*Walk-in for Mornings with the Professors, $15.00 for individual session pay at the door.

September 27, October 4, 11, 18, November 1 (Fridays)
9:30-11:30 am

THE EXTENDING EMPATHY PROJECT: ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT, REVISITED

Friday, September 27

To whom will we extend our empathy? We tend to answer this question through the interaction of unconscious assumptions and the social norms they foster. Because we generate these assumptions unconsciously, we are, in a sense, living in a dream. Moments of conscious reflection, then, are the means by which we wake up, as it were, and examine alternatives to our assumptions.

J. Scott Jordan, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, ISU

GOING TO POT: ILLINOIS AND BEYOND

Friday, October 4

Public attitudes and government policies about marijuana in the U.S. and the world have shifted at an unprecedented rate. This presentation will look at the changing landscape of marijuana in Illinois and beyond and will separate fact from fiction about marijuana, examining false hopes and false concerns.

Ralph Weisheit, Distinguished Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, ISU

THE PARADOX OF COLORBLIND RACISM

Friday, October 11

How can colorblindness—the idea that race does not matter—be racist? Using examples from across the political spectrum, Burke will discuss how to recognize and challenge many forms of contemporary racism so that we can all support the ideal of colorblindness without perpetuating harmful social, economic, and political systems.

Meghan Burke, Associate Professor of Sociology, Chair, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, IWU

INNUMERABLE LIFE AT EVERGREEN LAKE

Friday, October 18

As a local nature photographer, Weth has spent the last 1.5 years documenting all forms of life along a 3/10th mile stretch of his favorite area of Evergreen Lake. Enjoy the colorful images he accumulated along the way. See things that are creepy, as well as cute, and hear stories that complement the images.

Dave Weth, Local Nature Photographer

SOLVING COMMUNITY PROBLEMS THROUGH INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION

Friday, November 1

To address critical needs in a community often requires the creation of new programs. To be effective, these programs require intentional collaboration and trust building with the community at large, partner organizations, and potential supporters. The foundation for creating a sustainable community solution is extensive research into the complex social problem to be addressed as well as into the solutions. Learn about local collaborations taking place to make a difference in our communities.

Mary Campbell, retired Social Work faculty, ISU, and co-founder of Labyrinth Outreach Services to Women