University proposes meeting of the minds

August 27
University proposes meeting of the minds

Aleksandra Djordjevic Abington Journal Correspondent

SCRANTON- There are many minds that have shaped the way people live, minds such as Charles Darwin, Pablo Picasso, Hannah Arendt, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. On September 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the University of Scranton will be holding its first “University for a Day,” a day in which these four thinkers will be discussed by University professors. English Professor Leonard Gougeon, Ph.D., will discuss “Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Re-Invention of Democracy”; Biology Professor Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., of Dalton, will discuss “Charles Darwin: A Natural Selection”; “Hannah Arendt: Philosopher and Witness” will be presented by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Harold Baillie, Ph.D. and “Pablo Picasso: What Art Is by Art History” Professor Josephine Dunn, Ph.D.

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will hold its inaugural University for a Day on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Standing from left are Sondra Myers, director of the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton; English Professor Leonard Gougeon, Ph.D., who will discuss Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Re-Invention of Democracy and Biology Professor Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., who will discuss Charles Darwin: A Natural Selection.

Times Leader Photo Store

Sondra Myers, the director of the Schemel Forum at the University, is looking forward to the event. Myers said, “I came upon the idea of holding a ‘University for a Day’ from ads for such programs in the New York Times. I would like to see people attracted to the ‘University for a Day’ from all walks of life… Some will have college degrees and some will not, but we want to offer people who have not yet experienced it, the joy of learning together—a rare pleasure. From that experience we hope they will be attracted to Schemel Programs, which are bound to whet people’s appetites for learning.”

Myers hopes it will become an annual occurrence. “We have 50 people so far. I hope and expect that the number will rise to over 100—as people will see the value of the program. While we encourage early enrollment, one can register until the very end—on site.”

Intended for those living in Pennsylvania, the “University for a Day” program encourages people from all walks of life to learn about those that made a difference in the world. And while the four featured minds all impacted different periods throughout history, Myers believes each has something valid to say to inhabitants everywhere. “I do think that people in our region—just like people in every part of the world will gain insights from the knowledge of these great people. Great people in the world aren’t about Scranton or Bombay or Beijing. Their work affects the way we know things—the way we think about things. ...”

For more information, contact Myers at 941-4089.

“University for a Day” is supported by grants from the Neighborhood Development Trust Fund and the Scranton Area Foundation. The $20 participation fee includes a luncheon and closing reception. To register, call 941-7816.