Lunch at Lawrence

For nearly 40 years, Lawrence University has sponsored a program of informative luncheon lectures for the Fox Valley community. Known as “Lunch at Lawrence,” these gatherings provide an informal opportunity to hear from a diverse group of Lawrence faculty and distinguished visiting faculty on a wide range of issues and topics.

All lunch programs are held on Fridays at 11:30 a.m. in the Warch Campus Center. The cost of each luncheon is $16.50 and advance registration and payment is required. The full series is available for $82.50 ($99 value.)

REGISTER ONLINE For more information, or to register by phone please call the Office of Alumni and Constituency Engagement at 920-832-7019.

October 6, 2017

"Extrasolar Planets: Other Earths, other life?"

Megan Pickett, associate professor of physics

On this very day twenty two years ago, on October 6, 1995, two different teams of astronomers announced the discovery of the first planet outside our own Solar System: the strange and peculiar world known then at 51 Pegasus b.   The discovery represented a culmination of a decade-long effort to search for other planets by each team, but had also fulfilled the dreams of astronomers over centuries.  More than two decades later, astronomers have confirmed the presence of nearly 4,000 planets in our Galaxy, with an additional 4500 candidates awaiting confirmation.  Estimates previously thought to be too fantastic are now seriously considered: that we live in a Galaxy with billions of planets.  In this talk, I will discuss the history and current status of these so-called exoplanets, and the curious assortment of systems we have found, from planets hotter than most stars, to Jupiter-sized planets with years only four days long, to planets so like the Earth, we can at last start to answer that most important question: Are we alone in the Universe?
 

November 10, 2017

SOLD OUT

"Loving Large at Lawrence: Compassionate Ways to Fight Hate and Promote Intellectual Development"

Kimberly Barrett, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Associate Dean of the Faculty

Join Lawrence University’s Chief Diversity Officer in a dialogue about strategies to walk the talk of inclusion while also extinguishing hate with the most powerful tool any of us possess, love.  She will discuss compassionate ways individuals and organizations can resist the current efforts of hate groups to increase their influence in U. S. society as well as how these strategies can enhance our abilities to think critically and compassionately about the social problems we share. The presentation will be based on personal experience, research and best practices related to achieving diversity, inclusion and equity. This lunch is sold out and we will not be able to accept any walk-ins.
 

February 9, 2018

"Invasive Species in our Waters: the Good, the Bad and the Not-So-Bad?"

Bart De Stasio, Dennis and Charlot Nelson Singleton Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of Biology

You have probably heard about problems caused by of “invasive species” in our lakes and rivers, but not all invasive species are created equal. Professor Bart De Stasio, Dennis and Charlot Nelson Singleton Professor of biological sciences, will introduce the most important culprits, discuss his work with students over the past 25 years on how non-native species affect lake food webs, and talk about what the public should know to help slow the spread of invasive species.
 

March 9, 2018

"Innovation and the Liberal Arts College: Lessons from a Trip to Silicon Valley"
Adam Galambos, Dwight and Marjorie Peterson Professor of Innovation and associate professor of economics
David Hall, associate professor of chemistry
Martyn Smith, associate professor of religious studies

Smith, Hall and Galambos teamed up to lead a dozen liberal arts college professors on a 10-day trip to Silicon Valley to learn what practices, perspectives and ideas they could bring back to their classrooms. Through a journey to startups, giants, incubators, cultural landmarks and Stanford's d.school, they found inspiration, some insight into the tech world, and not one, but many Silicon Valleys.

April 13, 2018

"The Chemistry of Paint Drying: It's More Fascinating Than It Sounds"

Allison Fleshman, assistant professor of chemistry

Paintings embody artistic expression, but they also encompass quite a bit of chemistry! From the optical properties of the varnish, to the pigments that produce the vivid colors, Allison will lead you through a discussion on the different chemical properties of oil paintings. Allison has spent several years watching paint dry, and she can assure you, it is quite a fascinating endeavor!

May 11, 2018

"Deep Listening, Collaborative Play and Awakening Your Creative Soul"

Brian Pertl, Dean of the Conservatory of Music

We are a culture that values creativity. Our businesses encourage employees to think outside of the box. In a recent international survey, creativity was identified as the single most important attribute of a great business leader. Sadly, most of us aren't very good at practicing creativity in our every day lives. In this lively talk, Brian will take you on a journey to unleash your creative spirit. So come play with us!

Check out an archive of previous Lunch at Lawrence presentations from 1993 to 2015.