Health, Wellness, and Diversity Lectures


CEC HEALTH, WELLNESS AND DIVERSITY LECTURES
2012-2013

 

zachwahlsTues, Sept 18, 2012
8 p.m. – Centrum
Lecture: Zach Wahls: What Makes a Family?

Zach Wahls tried to answer that very question when he testified before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee in January, 2011.

The son of two lesbian mothers, the 19-year-old University of Iowa engineering student had no idea that his heartfelt testimony that day would spread like viral wildfire, and even land him on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. A state champion in high school debate and multiple national finalist in competitive acting, Zach was no stranger to speaking before an audience. Yet, he had never talked about his family in a public setting or in such open and candid terms. On his way home from the public hearing, he thought that his work was, for all practical purposes, finished.

Just two days after he testified during that hearing, however, a YouTube video of his testimony went viral, garnering nearly two million views with millions more via Facebook, Twitter, national and international television, and other online media. Although initially hesitant to share his story on such a vast stage, Zach remembered the famed words of his favorite superhero's uncle, Ben Parker: "With great power comes great responsibility."

Never before in his life had he had such an opportunity to stand up and speak out on behalf of his family. So he did what any of us would do, deciding to advocate for family and families like his all over the country.

After appearing on numerous television programs in person and his testimony airing on MSNBC, ABC, CBS and CNN, Zach found himself working on a book and has now penned a game-changing college and university lecture called, "What makes a family?" Zach shares a story that has never before been told, and offers a fresh, bold perspective on a recently rekindled -- and always contentious-- issue: gay marriage. Like any family's story, his is one of highs and lows, laughs and tribulations. You'll laugh, you may even cringe, and no matter your thoughts on marriage equality in our country, you'll walk away with a new perspective and something to think about.

timwiseMon, Oct 29, 2012
7 p.m. – Centrum
Lecture: Tim Wise: Understanding White Privilege
Featured as part of BREW Week (co-sponsored by Campus Service Commission and Intercultural Affairs)

Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. Recently named one of “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World,” by Utne Reader, Wise has spoken in 49 states, on over 600 college campuses, and to community groups across the nation. He has also lectured internationally in Canada and Bermuda on issues of comparative racism, race and education, racism and religion, and racism in the labor market.

Wise is the author of six books, including his just published Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority (City Lights Books); White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son.

Wise has contributed essays to twenty-five books, and is one of several persons featured in White Men Challenging Racism: Thirty-Five Personal Stories

Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has conducted trainings with physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. He has also trained corporate, government, entertainment, military and law enforcement officials on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions, and has served as a consultant for plaintiff’s attorneys in federal discrimination cases in New York and Washington State.

Wise has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs, is a regular contributor to discussions about race on CNN, and has been featured on ABC’s 20/20.

mlkMon, Jan 21, 2013
10:30 a.m. - Centrum
MLK Day Keynote: Dr. Shakti Butler
Co-sponsored by Student Government Association
Filmmaker Butler will lead a discussion on promoting diversity and fostering appreciation for the differences of others.

1:20 p.m. - Centrum
MLK Day Keynote: Ericka Huggins
Co-sponsored by Student Government Association
Human rights activist, poet, professor, former Black Panther leader and political prisoner will speak about her experiences, social issues and the role of spiritual practice in sustaining activism.

See full MLK Day schedule

 

juliaWeds, March 13, 2013
7 p.m. - Jones Conference A/B, Knutson Campus Center
Julia Garcia: Sex, Drugs, Alcohol and Everything in Between

This powerful presentation with 25 year old Julia Garcia, explores the TRU college life… after class has been dismissed. Julia takes you through her real life experiences and excessive partying that ultimately led to her sexual assault, the death of her best friend and the infamous night that almost took her entire college experience away completely.

 

 

 

 

katiewirsingThurs, March 14, 2013
10 p.m. – Maize
Diversity Spoken Word Artist: Katie Wirsing

Firmly believing the mouth is a speakerbox to whatever makes your heart sing most; Katie has opera lungs and a getaway car for anyone willing to pick up and move forward.

Never afraid of the difficult truths, Katie has toured her way to stages around the world speaking on issues from gender, love, sexuality, and spirituality to jello wrestling and her Grandmother’s love of hot dogs.

Member of the 2006 National Poetry Slam Championship team and Denver representative at the Women of the World Poetry Slam, Katie’s work has been featured on college campuses across the country, NPR, the BBC and countless local radio stations.

Having toured internationally with such remarkable artists as Andrea Gibson and Buddy Wakefield, as well as opening for The Flobots, Saul Williams and legendary lesbian comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer, Katie has taken her brand of storytelling from coast to coast, proving her fluency in the language of living is universally appreciated.

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