The Explorations lecture series, hosted by The Penn State Emeritus Academy, showcases the ongoing intellectual contributions of Penn State’s esteemed emeritus faculty. Through this series, retired faculty members share their groundbreaking research, creative projects, and unique perspectives with the wider Penn State community and beyond.
As a part of The Penn State Emeritus Academy’s commitment to supporting the academic and scholarly pursuits of emeritus faculty, Explorations offers a platform for fostering continued engagement with critical issues in various fields of study. These lectures exemplify the lifelong dedication to inquiry and knowledge that characterizes Penn State’s emeritus faculty, while inspiring audiences to think critically and explore new frontiers in their own disciplines.
For more information about The Penn State Emeritus Academy, please visit The Penn State Emeritus Academy website.
Fall 2024 Series
The 2024 fall series will showcase the remarkable work of retired faculty members and will take place at Foster Auditorium in the Pattee-Paterno Library, University Park. This semester’s topics span critical global issues, offering insightful perspectives on democracy, climate change, and national identity. The lectures can also be viewed via Zoom (see links below per event). The fall schedule for the series is as follows:
Colleen Kelley: “Digital Information Technologies and the Threat to American Democracy”
Date: September 17, 2024 | Lecture: 2:30 p.m.
This presentation delves into the impact of digital messaging during the 2024 American campaign cycle, addressing how disinformation threatens the foundation of democratic discourse.
Zoom: https://psu.zoom.us/j/95127048964
Andrew Carleton, Bill Easterling, Ian Marshall, and David Macauley: “Climate Change and the Environment”
Date: October 15, 2024 | Lecture: 2:30 p.m.
This panel discussion explores the far-reaching effects of climate change on various ecosystems and will feature topics on aviation sustainability, food security, and arboreal wisdom.
Zoom: https://psu.zoom.us/j/97296077533
Arthur Goldschmidt: “Egypt: A Developing Nation in Search of an Identity”
Date: November 18, 2024 | Lecture: 3:30 p.m.
This lecture examines Egypt’s complex identity struggle, touching on themes of Islamic unity, Arab leadership, and national development in the 21st century.
Zoom: https://psu.zoom.us/j/95760478888
Ian Stuart Marshall: “The Secret History of Walden Pond”
Date: December 5, 2024 | Lecture: 2:30 p.m.
Dive into the untold stories of the world’s most famous pond, as Marshall reveals how Walden Pond influenced pivotal moments in history and faces ongoing environmental challenges.
Zoom: https://psu.zoom.us/j/95592064095
Parking and Accessibility
Attendees are encouraged to park at the Nittany Deck, located on Fischer Road off Park Avenue. Accessible parking is available for those with valid Penn State permits. Visitors can also utilize the free campus shuttle services, including the Blue and White Loops, Red Link, and Campus Shuttle. These ADA-accessible shuttles stop directly outside Pattee Library.
For more information on parking and shuttle services, please visit Transportation Services.
We invite the Penn State community and the public to join us for these thought-provoking discussions as part of our ongoing commitment to academic engagement and the exchange of ideas.