Published: 02/13/2023
Gannon University’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences presents its Spring 2023 CHESS Speaker Series: Making Connections
Gannon University’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences is once again presenting its Spring 2023 CHESS Speaker Series.
This year’s CHESS Speaker Series emphasizes making connections in all its forms. From reconnecting with each other at the scale of the interpersonal, to forging connections across academic fields at the scale of the interdisciplinary, to exploring the interconnectedness of nations at the scale of the global. We hope this year’s series will help us continue to emerge from the isolation of the pandemic and renew prior social bonds even as we learn about and forge new ones.
Join us on this year-long journey, one event at a time, and make some connections!
Feb. 15 – A Conversation and Exhibit of African American Alumni Experience at Gannon University
5 p.m. | Waldron 219
Join us as we hear from a panel of Black/African American alumni as they share their experiences as a Gannon student. The event will be moderated by Dr. Parris Baker, associate professor in Gannon’s social work program, and supported by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office. This event will feature a photography exhibit showcasing the experiences of the alumni while at Gannon.
Register for this event.
March 8 – Endangered Alphabets Event
7 p.m. | Waldron 219
During this event, Tim Brookes, founder of the Endangered Alphabets project, will discuss the importance of preserving scripts that have been abandoned or suppressed while also drawing attention to global issues of cultural endangerment. Using Endangered Alphabets as his lens, Tim will guide the audience through an exploration of the cultural impact on language, progress, globalization and indigenous cultures when writing systems become extinct.
Register for this event.
March 22 – AML Talks: Trade-Based Money Laundering and Law Enforcement Collaboration
9-10:30 a.m. | Zurn 104
March 28 – Gannon Native American Symposium: Native Traditions and the Catholic Church
7 p.m. | Yehl Ballroom
This event will feature a panel discussion between three dynamic and world-renowned figures: Patrick Mason, Father Maurice Henry Sands and Dr. Damian Costello. In addition to the panel discussion between these three leaders, the event will feature a screening and discussion of Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics. This 2021 film, produced by the Knights of Columbus, features all three panelists as well as dozens of other scholars, religious figures and Native leaders.
Register for this event.
March 29 – Gannon Concert Band: Women Composers
7 p.m. | Yehl Ballroom
Join the Gannon University Concert Band as we explore music performed not nearly as frequently as it should be. This concert features music exclusively by living women composers, most pieces composed within the last five years. Composers are represented from Canada, Japan, Australia, and the United States and write for ensembles ranging from school groups to professional orchestras.
April 1 – Improv as Life: The Art of Making Connections
3 p.m. | Waldron 219
Erie natives Sara Fisher and RJ Hodde will present on the art of improv, the ways that it cultivates connections and how to apply improv to life. After a talk and performance, Fisher and Hodde will lead a series of improv games to illustrate the concepts and give everyone a chance to experience it themselves.
Register for this event.
April 4 – Multicultural Dance Night: One World. One City. Our City. Erie.
7 p.m. | Erie Playhouse, 3 W. 10th St.
Enjoy dances from around the world performed by artists from our own vibrant Erie community. This year’s event includes a special feature: Fiery rhythms of Tuika’s Polynesian Island Magic.