Guest presenter: Dr. Roosevelt Montás
Dr. Roosevelt Montás, senior lecturer in American Studies and English at Columbia University and former director of Columbia’s Center for the Core Curriculum, will present on his book Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation, a compelling account of how the Great Books transformed his life and continue to resonate with people from all backgrounds. Watch his introduction to the book.
Presentation description:
What is the value of a liberal education? Traditionally characterized by a rigorous engagement with the classics of Western thought and literature, this approach to education is all but extinct in American universities, replaced by flexible distribution requirements and ever-narrower academic specialization. Many academics attack the very idea of a Western canon as chauvinistic, while the general public increasingly doubts the value of the humanities. In Rescuing Socrates, Dominican-born American academic Roosevelt Montás tells the story of how a liberal education transformed his life, and offers an intimate account of the relevance of the Great Books today, especially to members of historically marginalized communities.
This event is part of 2024 Symposium Day.
Workshop: Time management
Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone! The fall semester can be incredibly intense, and this workshop focuses on essential skills needed to begin the semester strong. Together, we will talk about time management strategies that will help you become more organized, less stressed, and more balanced. We will also discuss strategies to create a schedule and how use your time as productively as possible in this hour-long session.
Gwaltney ’84 elected to Augustana’s Board of Trustees
Augustana announces the election of Brent Gwaltney ’84 to the college’s Board of Trustees. Gwaltney has spent the majority of his three-decade career involved in the management, construction, operation, and financing of world-scale petrochemical facilities.
Get a free pool table from Residential Life
Residential Life has two free pool tables for anyone who wants them. The taker is responsible for moving them. One pool table is in the Andreen basement, and the other is in the Erickson basement.
Alumni talk: Business in the Indo-Pacific
Melinda Pavek '92, a political science, economics and Asian studies alumna, will share insight from her career with the State Department during this hour-long presentation. Her recent positions include U.S. Consul General in Kolkata, India (2021-24) and Director of Economic and Scientific Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy in Tokyo (2019-21).
Join us as Pavek shares her career experience and insight into political and economic relationships between the U.S. and key countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
St. Francis of Assisi Day: Blessing of the Animals
Meet Pastor Melinda on Viking Plaza from 4:30-5:30 p.m. for a blessing of the animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi Day. She'll bless any pet!
LGBTQ+ basics session on Oct. 14
The Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity will offer an LGBTQ+ training session for faculty and staff on Monday, Oct. 14, from 1-2 p.m.