Cultural Events

From Dream to Action: Building Communities That Inspire Change

Nikki Romain

Through her life and work, Nikki Romain honors her belief that the arts are not just an expression—they are a catalyst for change, connection and hope. Romain serves as executive director and co-founder of Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc. (ART Inc.), a nonprofit organization in Peoria, Ill., that offers an inclusive environment where children, youth and adults can engage in the arts, with programs in theatre, music and the visual arts.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Intercultural Lecture
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged.

Why is Religious Literacy Critical?

Aria Razfar

Throughout human history, religious traditions have inspired and justified acts and attitudes ranging from the heroic to the heinous. The role of religion and religious literacy in society has been a contentious issue for centuries, and significant in how it shapes public and private discourse. Aria Razfar, a professor in the College of Education at the University of Illinois Chicago, will host a public conversation at Elmhurst U. on what critical religious literacy is and why it matters.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Prospect Room South
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged.

Closet Change: The Enduring Politics of Fashion

Sekile Nzinga

Sekile Nzinga is an interdisciplinary scholar, educator and practitioner who prioritizes mental health, healing and reproductive justice within black and other underserved communities. As the inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the former chief equity officer for the State of Illinois, Nzinga has expertise as an executive leader that spans academic, governmental and not-for-profit settings.

 The Genevieve Staudt Intercultural Lecture
Wednesday, March 12, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged.

Ministering & Witnessing Together: A Conversation in Such a Time as This

Shari Prestemon

The Rev. Dr. Shari Prestemon is acting associate general minister and co-executive of global ministries for the United Church of Christ. Prestemon’s faith journey was shaped by experiences with the ministries she supports in her current role. Those experiences include serving as a peace and justice intern in the Philippines, and leading study trips to Palestine and Israel. At Elmhurst, she will lead a conversation with the campus community and other UCC leaders about international issues and the role of education in shaping agents of change.

National Visiting Scholar of the United Church of Christ
Monday, March 17, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged.

Understanding Rescue During the Holocaust

Rebecca Carter-Chand

For decades after the Holocaust, rescue was understood primarily as a psychological phenomenon that could be attributed to one’s ethical predisposition or empathetic personality, or as a result of one’s piety or theological commitments. In recent years, a new approach focuses less on motivations and more on circumstances. This talk by Rebecca Carter-Chand, director of the Programs on Ethics, Religion and the Holocaust at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, will trace the evolution of the study of rescue and highlight new research on the rescue of Jews by Christians, as well as Jewish strategies of survival.

The Holocaust Service of Remembrance and Lecture
Sunday, April 6, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged.

Embracing Cannonball Moments: How Ignatian Spirituality Helps Us Share Our Stories and Deepen Our Faith

Eric Clayton

Eric Clayton is the award-winning author of Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith and My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars (Loyola Press). He is also the deputy director for communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. His writing has appeared in National Catholic Reporter, US Catholic, America Media, Dork Side of the Force and more, and his weekly column, “Now Discern This,” has won numerous awards from the Catholic Media Association. This is an online event only.

The Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Lecture
Wednesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Admission is free.

Born Out of … and the Struggle Continues

Yahtzeni Gonzalez

To many of the kids in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood, Yahtzeni “Zeni” Gonzalez has been a mentor, a sister, even a mother figure as manager of the neighborhood council’s Leaders of Tomorrow Program. Spurred to action by her grandmother’s generosity and her brother’s murder, Gonzalez helps youth aspire to go to college and “see more than just the neighborhood.”

The César Chavéz Intercultural Lecture
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged.

Legacies: Lydia Hosto Niebuhr and Walter Brueggemann ’55

John Clifford Helt ’73, Conrad Kanagy

John Clifford Helt ’73 is the author of Lydia Hosto Niebuhr: The Buried History of an Evangelical Matriarch (2024), which explores the life, times and contributions of the mother of prominent theological leaders Reinhold Niebuhr ’10, H. Richard Niebuhr ’12 and Hulda Niebuhr. The book is edited by Conrad Kanagy, who authored Walter Brueggemann’s Prophetic Imagination (2023), a theological biography of Walter Brueggemann ’55, one of the world’s most influential Old Testament scholars. Join Helt and Kanagy for a discussion about their books and the legacies of their subjects.

Friday, Sept. 27, 2:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Alexander Room
Admission is free but registration is encouraged.
(This event also will be livestreamed. You must register to get the link.)

The City is Up for Grabs: How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Led and Lost a City in Crisis

Gregory Royal Pratt

In his book The City Is Up for Grabs: How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Led and Lost a City in Crisis,” Chicago Tribune reporter Gregory Royal Pratt gives a behind-the-scenes look at the tumultuous single term of Mayor Lightfoot and the chaos that roiled the city as she struggled to keep her promises to end corruption and institute reform.

The Andrew K. Prinz Lecture for Political Awareness
Monday, Sept. 30, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged.

Trust the Science: A Transgender Biologist’s Introduction to Sex, Gender and the Rising War on Trans Rights

Jey McCreight

“Precision health” considers how information about a person’s genes, environment and behavior can be used to improve their health. Jey McCreight, a science communication consultant for Verily Life Sciences, is a leading voice for making the field of precision health more inclusive for transgender people. Previously, McCreight created and executed 23andMe’s research communication program and led its LGBTQ+ employee resource group.

The William R. Johnson Intercultural Lecture
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged.

The Future of Holocaust Work and Witness at Elmhurst U.

Howard Reich

Howard Reich is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, author and former arts critic at the Chicago Tribune. He has spoken several times at Elmhurst, notably in 2017, when he discussed his friendship with activist and humanitarian Elie Wiesel. In 2019, Elmhurst University awarded an honorary doctoral degree to Reich in recognition of his distinguished career and contributions, in particular his focus on the Holocaust and genocide. Part of the 35th year of Holocaust Memorial Education and the Religious Literacy Project at Elmhurst University.

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Prospect Room
Admission is free and all are welcome

You Can Create Disney Magic Too

Lee Cockerell

This fall, Elmhurst University’s School of Business launched the Institute for Professional and Community Engagement (IPCE), a hub that offers opportunities for students to develop professionally and give back to society. For its inaugural event, the IPCE will host Lee Cockerell, former executive vice president of operations for Walt Disney World Resort, for a full day of events, including a Small Business Accelerator Workshop and an evening keynote, “You Can Create Disney Magic Too.”

Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission varies

Islam, Civic Responsibility and American Muslims

Ahmed Rehab

Committed to empowering Chicago’s Muslim-American community, Ahmed Rehab is executive director of the city’s office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy group. He also is CAIR’s national strategic communications director, and has served on the board of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

The al-Ghazali Lecture
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge

The Future of Holocaust Education at Elmhurst U.

Peter Hayes

Peter Hayes is the Theodore Zev Weiss Holocaust Educational Foundation Professor of Holocaust Studies Emeritus at Northwestern University. He specializes in the histories of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust and, in particular, in the conduct of the nation’s largest corporations during the Third Reich. He is the author of six books, including Profits and Persecution: German Big Business in the Nazi Economy and the Holocaust (2025); and Why? Explaining the Holocaust (2017). Part of the 35th year of Holocaust Memorial Education and the Religious Literacy Project at Elmhurst University.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 1:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Prospect Room
Admission is free and all are welcome

After the Elections: Reflections with Interfaith Leaders

John Thomas, Stan Davis

The Rev. Dr. John Thomas and the Rev. Dr. Stanley Davis Jr. are recipients of honorary doctoral degrees from Elmhurst University for their interfaith work and religious leadership. Rev. Thomas is board president of Arise Chicago and former general minister and president of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Davis is retired after serving for many years as executive director of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago. Part of the Religious Literacy Project at Elmhurst University.

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 4:30 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room (This lecture also will be available remotely via Zoom. Anyone wishing to join remotely should email [email protected] to get the link.)
Admission is free
Hosted by the Office of the Chaplain

The Human Side of Project Management

Elmhurst U. Master of Project Management program faculty

Project management is about leading work that has a beginning and an end, like constructing a building or implementing a new system. These projects are frequently measured by whether the work is completed “on time and under budget.” A key factor that sometimes gets overlooked is that the work is done by and through other people. In this panel discussion with faculty members from the Master of Science in Project Management program, panelists will discuss both the art and science of leading people in project-based work.

The Graduate Studies Lecture Series
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room (This lecture also will be livestreamed.)
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged

The Beat Goes On: Creative Collaborations That Last

Nile Rodgers; Moderated by Terri Hemmert

Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer, guitarist and Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers has worked with artists ranging from Beyoncé and David Bowie to Madonna and Daft Punk. Elmhurst U. alumna Terri Hemmert is a Chicago radio legend who just celebrated 50 years at rock station WXRT and is one of the country’s foremost experts on the Beatles. Join them for a fascinating conversation about creativity, innovation and music for the ages.

The Roland Quest Lecture Series
Thursday, Nov. 14, 7:00 p.m.
Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel
Admission is $15; free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni

One Book, One Elmhurst Author Visit: Remarkably Bright Creatures

Shelby Van Pelt

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures (2022), became an instant New York Times bestseller and was a pick for The Today Show‘s Read with Jenna book club. At this year’s Author Talk, Van Pelt will discuss her writing process, characters, loss, hope and the Giant Pacific Octopus. A book signing will follow the lecture. Presented with the Elmhurst Public Library and Friends of the Elmhurst Public Library.

One Book, One Elmhurst
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:00 p.m.
Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel
This lecture will be held in-person and on Zoom
Admission is free but registration is required

Teachers as Agents of Change: Creating an Action Research Network

Elmhurst U. School of Education alumni

Join us for a discussion on teacher research as a panel of Elmhurst U. alumni share their experience creating a network to support and sustain teacher research after graduation. School of Education faculty members Beverly Troiano, Ph.D., and Simeon Stumme, Ph.D., will introduce the Virtual Teacher Researcher Network and moderate a discussion by teachers, instructional coaches and administrators who study their own teaching and/or support teachers through action research.

The Graduate Studies Lecture Series
Thursday, April 18, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room (This lecture also will be livestreamed.)
Admission is free

From Class to Clinical Practice: A Discussion with Speech-Language Pathology Alumni

Elmhurst U. Communication Sciences and Disorders program alumni

This panel discussion will feature alumni from Elmhurst University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program who are working in a variety of clinical settings. The panelists will discuss their experiences transitioning from the classroom to the clinic, the challenges and rewards of their work, and how they have used their education to make a difference in the lives of their clients. This event is a great opportunity to learn about what it is like to work as a speech-language pathologist and to get advice from experienced professionals.

The Graduate Studies Lecture Series
Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Alexander Room (This lecture also will be livestreamed.)
Admission is free

Leadership in Nursing: Voices from the Front Line

Becky Hulett, Laura Minarich

Nurses are uniquely positioned to influence patient care and help patients navigate healthcare’s complexities. Becky Hulett, director of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs; and Laura Minarich, director of the Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP) program, will lead a panel discussion on how people can expand their health literacy, and current challenges in the nursing profession. Elmhurst University prepares nurses at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels to be leaders on the front lines of healthcare.

The Graduate Studies Lecture Series
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room (This lecture also will be livestreamed.)
Admission is free

Elizabeth Brandeis and the Radical Jewish Women that Influenced the Nation

Dea Ex Machina: Using Feminine Images of God to Describe AI

Kristel Clayville

Much of the language that is used to talk about AI draws on apocalyptic discourse as well as on images of God that are rooted in ideas of God’s omniscience. Rev. Dr. Kristel Clayville is a lecturer in ethics in the computer science department at University of Illinois Chicago, where she also teaches in the medical school. Her talk will center other aspects of God’s being from biblical texts and feminist theology, to offer ways to think about AI on different terms.

The Genevieve Staudt Intercultural Lecture
Wednesday, March 6, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free

Future-Proofing Against the Challenges of Today’s Workplace

Jessica Sim, Krista Warn

Coming out of the pandemic, the state of the workplace has changed and continues to evolve. Organizations are facing myriad challenges, including talent shortages, leadership burnout and generational differences. Elmhurst University alumna Krista Warn, MIOP ’20, will talk about the realities of these challenges, drawing from her role as a leadership and organization development specialist at the management consulting firm ADVISA. The keynote will be followed by a Q&A facilitated by Jessica Sim, interim program director of the Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program at Elmhurst University.

The Graduate Studies Lecture Series
Thursday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room (This lecture also will be livestreamed.)
Admission is free

The (Almost) Total Eclipse of April 8, 2024

Brian Wilhite 

The next total solar eclipse to visit North America will be on Monday, April 8. As tens of millions of Americans start thinking about how best to observe and appreciate the event, Brian Wilhite, associate professor of physics at Elmhurst University, will discuss the cause of eclipses, the history of human observation of eclipses, and the upcoming total eclipse—which will be almost total in Elmhurst.

Tuesday, April 2, 11:30 a.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free

The Business Innovators: Henry Ford to Jeff Bezos

Douglas Brinkley

Douglas Brinkley is a historian and best-selling author, acclaimed for his ability to take the historical lessons of our past and apply them to our present and future. As he points out in his epic book Wheels for the World: Henry Ford, His Company, and a Century of Progress, the history of corporations—and the relevance of that history today—are often neglected. In this illuminating lecture, Brinkley compares his research about Henry Ford, who shaped the 20th century, to the challenges and opportunities faced by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and other corporate leaders who will shape the 21st century. A book signing will follow the lecture.

The Rudolf G. Schade Lecture on History, Ethics and Law
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel
Admission is $15; free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni

Growing Up in Germany: A Survivor Remembers

Eric Blaustein

In sharing their testimony, Holocaust survivors provide a human dimension to understanding history, enabling us to learn and never forget. Born in Germany, Eric Blaustein started school in 1933, the same year Adolf Hitler became chancellor. At 18, Blaustein was sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp, where he stayed until the Allied liberation in 1945. He went on to work as an engineer, get married and raise a family in the U.S. At Elmhurst University, Blaustein will reflect on his youth in Nazi Germany, surviving Buchenwald, and what it has meant for his life ever since.

The Holocaust Service of Remembrance and Lecture
Sunday, April 14, 7:00 p.m.
Founders Lounge, Frick Center
Admission is free

Interfaith Lecture: When Catholics Speak about Jews

John Pawlikowski

Fr. John Pawlikowski has been an active participant in the Christian-Jewish dialogue, as well as the wider interreligious dialogue, for nearly 50 years. A professor emeritus of social ethics and former director of the Catholic-Jewish Studies Program at Catholic Theological Union, he also served for six years as president of the International Council of Christians and Jews, and has served several terms on the board of the Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Interfaith Lecture
Monday, April 15, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room
Admission is free

Past Events

The Public Intellectual Life of Elmhurst University

A panel of distinguished Elmhurst University faculty considers the elements—in particular, the University’s vibrant intercultural and religious lectures—that invigorate the campus’s public intellectual life. How does Elmhurst’s public intellectual life enhance the student experience and enrich the greater community, and how can we further its reach?

Faculty Panelists:

• Josh VanArsdall, Associate Chair and Associate Professor, Psychology
• Lawrence Brown, Assistant Professor, Business and Economics; Director, MBA Program
• Mary Kay Mulvaney, Professor, English; Director, Honors Program
• Theresa Robinson, Associate Professor, Education; Director, Noyce PRIDE STEM Teacher Scholars Program; Program Director, Secondary Education
• Katrina Sifferd, Professor, Philosophy; Genevieve Staudt Endowed Chair

Moderators:

• Bruce King, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
• Dean Pribbenow, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty

Hosted by the Office of the Chaplain

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 11:45 a.m.
Schaible Science Center, Illinois Hall
Admission is free

Chicagolandia: How Latinos Remade the Suburbs

Antonio Ramirez

Antonio Ramirez is a social justice advocate and associate professor of Latino history at Elgin Community College. At this year’s César Chavéz lecture at Elmhurst University, Ramirez will explain the Chicagolandia Oral History Project, which documents the lives, work and culture of Latinx suburban communities around Chicago while exploring the impact of those communities on the changing nature of Chicago and its suburbs.

The César Chavéz Intercultural Lecture
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free

The Role of Law in 2024

Nicholas Schroeck ’02

Nicholas Schroeck ’02 is associate dean of experiential learning and director of the Environmental Law Clinic at Detroit Mercy Law School. Schroeck, who was an urban studies major at Elmhurst, and his law students will meet remotely with the Elmhurst audience for a spirited conversation about the foundations and function of the law and its role in society today.

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Melanchthon Room
Admission is free

Why Theology Matters

H. Scott Matheney

In his 26th year as chaplain at Elmhurst University, the Rev. H. Scott Matheney will reflect on why theology continues to be relevant today, whether there is such a thing as healthy or destructive theology and how theology can help one find one’s voice amid all the noise.

Thursday, Sept. 28, 7:00 p.m.
The Chaplain’s Home, 255 Elm Park Ave., Elmhurst
Admission is free
Part of the Religious Literacy Project at Elmhurst University

Telling Our Stories: Moving Illinois Forward for LGBTQIA+ Justice

Michael Ziri

Michael Ziri is the director of public policy at Equality Illinois, the state’s civil rights organization for LGBTQIA+ people. At this year’s William R. Johnson Lecture at Elmhurst University, he will discuss legislative initiatives focused on equality in Illinois.

The William R. Johnson Intercultural Lecture
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 4:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free

Ethical Leadership: Why It Matters Now

Lawrence “LB” Brown

Organizations are facing myriad challenges—local, national and global. Whether it’s balancing a triple bottom line or navigating tumultuous sociopolitical dynamics, ethical leadership can play an important role in successfully negotiating those challenges. Elmhurst University MBA Program Director Lawrence “LB” Brown will host a conversation on building an ethical value system that can help drive employee engagement and build business success.

The Graduate Studies Lecture Series
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room
Admission is free
Celebrating 25 years of graduate studies at Elmhurst University

Everything is Interfaith at Elmhurst University

Mark Pettis

The Rev. Mark Pettis is the minister for ecumenical and interfaith relations for the United Church of Christ. In this role, he travels around the nation and world building partnerships and bridges of hope to address hate. At Elmhurst, he will discuss his work, which informs the mission and core values of Elmhurst University.

Hosted by the Spiritual Life Council and the Office of the Chaplain

Monday, Oct. 23, 12:00 p.m.
The Chaplain’s Home, 255 Elm Park Ave., Elmhurst
Admission is free
Part of the Religious Literacy Project
For more information, contact the Office of the Chaplain

Three Girls from Bronzeville: An Author Visit with Dawn Turner

Dawn Turner is the author of Three Girls from Bronzeville: A Uniquely American Memoir of Race, Fate, and Sisterhood, which depicts the coming of age—and divergent paths—of the author, her younger sister and her best friend in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. An award-winning author and journalist, Turner will talk about her book and her work with Andrea Krieg, assistant professor of criminal justice at Elmhurst University. A book signing will follow the lecture.

Presented with the Elmhurst Public Library and Friends of the Elmhurst Public Library

One Book, One Elmhurst*
Thursday, Oct. 26, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Founders Lounge
Admission is free but registration is required

*One Book, One Elmhurst is a partnership of the Elmhurst Public Library and Elmhurst University that encourages the entire community to read and engage with the same book title. Learn more at elmlib.org/OneBook.

How Today’s AI Will Impact Your Profession and How You Can Prepare

James Kulich

As advances in artificial intelligence accelerate, the emphasis is quickly shifting from careers in AI to careers with AI. James Kulich, director of the Master in Data Science and Analytics program at Elmhurst University, will lead a panel of experts in a discussion about the impacts of AI on your professional world, whatever it might be, and ways to tap into its potential.

The Graduate Studies Lecture Series
Thursday, Nov. 2, 7:00 p.m.
Frick Center, Blume Board Room
Admission is free
Celebrating 25 years of graduate studies at Elmhurst University

Mental Health Matters: A Conversation
with Karamo

As the culture expert on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated hit series Queer Eye, and host of a nationally syndicated talk show, Karamo is known for his ease in relating to people and helping them discover strength in their identities. Drawing from his own life experience and work in social services, Karamo will talk about the mental health journey, especially for young people, in conversation with Lauren Petty, medical and health reporter for NBC-Chicago Channel 5.

The 2023 Roland Quest Lecture
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7:00 p.m.
Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel
Admission is $15; free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni

Climate Change and Public Policy: Lessons from the Netherlands

Arthur Petersen

Arthur Petersen is a professor of science, technology and public policy at University College London, and is editor-in-chief of Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science. He joined University College London after more than 13 years’ work as a scientific adviser on environment and infrastructure policy for the Dutch government.

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 4:00 p.m.
Schaible Science Center, Illinois Hall
Admission is free