NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College students, employees and the public are invited to come feed their bodies and brains every second Thursday of the fall semester as part of the College’s Hawk Talks. The series of lectures feature Northeast faculty members and others speaking on a wide variety of topics. The series kicks off Sept. 8.
In his lecture, “Why Bother with Humanities,” Northeast Developmental English/ESL Instructor Tom Elliott will speak on how Humanities play a role in nearly every aspect of society.
“Many people think that Humanities are just for philosophers, poets, artists and ‘that type’ of people,” Elliott said. “In fact, they can enrich any aspect of our lives. When we travel, when we eat, when we listen to the radio in the car – a knowledge and appreciation of the Humanities can add new layers of gratitude and enjoyment in surprising places.”
Elliott’s Hawk Talks lecture will be held on Thur., Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., in the upper level of Northeast’s Union 73 near Union Coffee, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., in Norfolk.
It is one of five lectures to be held in the series this fall. Other topics include “Grocery Store Minds Tricks,” with Brandon Keller, agriculture instructor on Oct. 13; “The History of Halloween,” with Paul Muncy, social sciences instructor on Oct. 27; “Framing from the Past: Collections and Exhibits at the Small Museum.” with Drew DeCamp, registrar at the Elkhorn Valley Museum on Nov. 10; and “The History of Christmas” with Muncy on Dec. 8.
Muncy originated Hawk Talks in 2021 after he reached out to his colleagues to see if they would have an interest in developing a series of public lectures for both students and the general public. Early Child Education, statistics in society and the History of the American Landscape were among topics last year.
Muncy wants people who desire intellectual stimulation in their lives to attend and make a night of it.
"Many of us enjoy reading popular works by academics and watching YouTube videos of things like TED Talks and other lectures given by scholars; the Hawk Talk series is a chance to experience that type of wonder and curiosity in a live environment, with the joy of being around other curious minds, and having the expert right in front of you so you can ask them questions."
Hawk Talks are free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m.
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