Harcum Launches Free Lecture Series

A free Lecture Series has been slated in conjunction with our Centennial observance in 2015.

The series is intended to raise important questions about issues that we as a mission-driven institution need to be encouraging our students and ourselves to think and care about into Harcum’s next hundred years.

These issues include environmental sustainability and renewal; the value of acting locally; rethinking our use of food, clothing, and other valuable resources; and busting myths about race and gender. All will be addressed in a speaker series being designed to stimulate thought and discussion during 2015.

All events are free and open to the public. A reception with refreshments follows all events.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 : BUY LOCAL, THINK GLOBAL
Judy Wicks, Local Economy Pioneer
Author of Good Morning, Beautiful Business
4-5:30 p.m. (Includes book signing)
Little Theatre
Judy Wicks’ lecture will focus on the topics of local living economies, responsible business, and the role of the feminine in building a new economy. Her presentation will provide insight and inspiration concerning the deep connections between local food, ecology, economy, and social justice.

Applications to these majors: Business Management, General Studies, Human Services

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015: NO FOOD LEFT BEHIND
Gary Oppenheimer (pictured), Founder of AmpleHarvest.org
(In partnership with Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church)
7-8:30 p.m.
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

Gary Oppenheimer, a CNN Hero, TED and Google Talk speaker, a Points of Light honoree, and Huffington Post Game Changer 2011 is acutely aware of the increasing hunger problem in America as well as the staggering amount of wasted food in gardens around the country. That’s why he created AmpleHarvest.org—a nationwide effort to enable America’s 42 million home gardeners who grow food to be able to easily find a local food pantry eager for their excess garden bounty.

He will be discussing both the problems of food waste and hunger in America and the technology-basedAmpleHarvest.org solution. He will also explore the challenges faced by innovative solutions in the non-profit realm. A Q&A will follow.

Applications to these majors: Early Childhood, Business, Human Services, General Studies.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015: RACE IS NOT BIOLOGY
Dr. Agustín Fuentes, Chair of the Anthropology Department at University of Notre Dame
Author of Race, Monogamy, and Other Lies They Told You: Busting Myths about Human Nature
4-5:30 p.m. (Includes book signing)
Little Theatre

Agustín Fuentes is an American primatologist and biological anthropologist whose work focuses largely on human and non-human primate interaction, pathogen transfer, communication, cooperation, and human social evolution. His lecture will use anthropological findings and research to debunk myths about race, gender, and aggression, all toward increasing tolerance and understanding of others unlike ourselves.

Applications to any major where increasing racial tolerance and gender understanding have value.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015: FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH ART
Heather Rodale, Vice President for Community Outreach at Rodale, Inc. and Cancer Survivor
4-5:30 p.m.
Library Rotunda

After a Stage 3 melanoma diagnosis, Heather Rodale ’72 wanted to show her four children how to succeed and overcome unexpected hardships of life. With the help of a career coach and experience in learning and development, she created a new life with more joy and purpose. In 2008, she started the not-for-profit organization, Healing Through The Arts, which motivates individuals who are diagnosed with a chronic condition to create their “new normal” lifestyle when changes are necessary for survival and quality of life. Her presentation will offer personal insights and a format for creating a happier, more fulfilling life through “strategic” life planning that also includes an interactive arts segment.

Applications to these majors: Allied Health, Nursing, OTA, PTA, Rad Tech

A Book Fair (in the Library) will follow this event as well as the Opening Reception of “100 Years of Art,” a Juried Show in the Little Theatre.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015: DESIGN PANEL -- THE CHANGING FACE OF DESIGN IN FASHION, FASHION MERCHANDISING, AND INTERIOR DESIGN
4-5:30 p.m.
Little Theatre

Panelists representing three design fields will answer questions about how their industry is changing in response to consumer interest in sustainability/renewal/reclamation, in addition to their work being informed by their own values systems. Presentation will include displays by the vendors.

Applications to these majors: Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Interior Design

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015: “LEARN TO MANAGE YOUR MONEY”
Dr. Keith Weigelt, Professor of Management at the Wharton School of Business
1-2:30 p.m.
Little Theatre

Keith Weigelt has done an extraordinary amount of outreach in Philadelphia, teaching financial literacy courses to boost the business acumen and critical thinking of participants while improving their financial planning and leadership skills. He’ll talk about the value of financial literacy as it relates to life planning. “Having the knowledge of how to manage your money in a responsible way is a really important life skill,” Weigelt believes, “no matter what type of background you come from.”

Applications to all students.