Lawrence at Night returns with 13 new seminars, workshops

The second installment of Lawrence University's Lawrence at Night-seminars, workshops, and talks available to the community-is set to begin in mid-February.

"We are delighted to introduce the winter edition of Lawrence at Night," said Alison Scott-Williams, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "There are a range of fascinating topics that residents of the Fox Valley can discover while connecting with others in the community."

The Winter 2025 catalog features 13 offerings that cover topics ranging from effective communication skills and mindfulness meditation to understanding the Russia-Ukraine war and monsters, miracles, and myths of the Middle Ages.

"Whether gathering in person on the Lawrence campus or in virtual classrooms, these interactive sessions led by Lawrence faculty or guest speakers are aimed at nurturing the need for lifelong learning," Scott-Williams said.

Details and registration information can be found at Lawrence.edu/lan

Sessions include:

Effective Communication, Feb. 17 and 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Warch Campus Center (in person): Rachel Dyer, assistant professor of psychology, will lead a two-part workshop designed to equip attendees with essential communication skills-used by therapists and great managers-through practice, empathy, and tools to ask, reflect, and summarize effectively.

The Mindful Brain, Feb. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Warch Campus Center (in person):Psychology professor Lori Hilt will lead a workshop that explores mindfulness-based interventions used to treat various physical and mental conditions.

Chinese Calligraphy and Lunar New Year, Feb. 21 and 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Warch Campus Center (in person): Claire Chen, instructor of Chinese, leads a two-part workshop that explores Chinese calligraphy and Lunar New Year traditions. Participants will craft Spring Festival couplets, blending cultural knowledge with artistic expression.

Moving From War to Peace: The Russia-Ukraine War, Feb. 22, 10-11 a.m. (virtual): Government professor Claudena Skran examines transitions from violent conflict to lasting peace using case studies, particularly within the Russia-Ukraine war.

Cosmology: Something from Nothing, Feb. 24 and 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Youngchild Hall Room 115 (in person): Physics professor Megan Pickett delves into the origins of the universe in this two-part seminar exploring the Big Bang, galaxy formation, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Writing Your Life, Feb. 25 and 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall Room 105 (in person): Helen Boyd Kramer, affinity group coordinator, instructor of First-Year Studies, and author, explores how to write a memoir in a way that is useful, educational, and (possibly) healing.

Monsters, Miracles, and Myths of the Middle Ages,Feb. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Memorial Hall Room 105 (in person): Danielle Joyner, associate professor of art history, explores the wonders of medieval arts, stories, and sites-what can imaginative monsters and miracles teach us about myths surrounding the so-called "Dark Ages"?

How to Build Your LinkedIn, March 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (virtual): Jill Manuel, a 1984 Lawrence graduate, leads a session on building a strong LinkedIn profile in six simple steps.

Journalism in Crisis, March 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (virtual): Jill Manuel, 1984 Lawrence graduate and veteran journalist, examines the challenges facing journalism amid economic pressures and changing media consumption.

The Chemistry of Art: Exploring the Science Behind the Creativity, March 11, 18, and 25, 6:30-8 p.m., in Steitz Hall Room 127 (in person): Allison Fleshman, associate professor of chemistry, explores the chemistry behind artistic techniques in this course covering light, color, pigments, paints, dyes, and glassmaking.

The Night Sky: Our Celestial Heritage, March 11 and 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Youngchild Hall Room 115 (in person): Megan Pickett, associate professor of physics, explores the wonders of the night sky in this two-part seminar.

Up the Ease in Your Everyday Life: Applying the Alexander Technique, March 17 and 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Warch Campus Center (in person): Kathy Privatt, associate professor of theatre arts, shows how to apply the Alexander Technique to everyday activities like sitting, standing, and working.

The JFK Assassination: An American Legacy, March 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in Warch Campus Center (in person): Jerald Podair, professor of history emeritus, examines the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy and its effects on American society.

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