Forum Series
http://www.rockford.edu/artslectures/forum/
The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers and performers in a variety of disciplines who have achieved success locally, nationally and even internationally. The Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education while also providing a shared experience for Rockford University students. Presenters in the Series also interact with students in classes, informal conversations, and over meals. The Forum Committee, comprised of faculty and student representatives, selects the events. Suggestions for programs are accepted from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others. Attempts are made to design the Series with various constituencies in mind.
Forum Series presenters and events cover a broad spectrum of scope and genre. Some recent Forum Series events have included Oscar and Grammy Award-winner Che “Rhymefest” Smith, art theft detective Robert Wittman, astrobiologist Penelope Boston, Head of Communications at the UN's High Commission for Refugees Melissa Fleming, founder of The Onion Scott Dikkers, astronomer and visual artist José Francisco Salgado, football legend Michael Singletary, and U.S. poet laureates Juan Felipe Herrera and Natasha Trethewey.