UIS alumni lunchtime lecture series continues with “Abraham Lincoln and Race”

SPRINGFIELD -- “Abraham Lincoln and Race,” a presentation by Phillip Shaw Paludan, professor of History and Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair of Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield, is set for Wednesday, November 20, at Maldaner’s Upstairs, 222 South Sixth St., Springfield.

The program is part of the Taste of UIS: Distinguished Faculty/Alumni Lunchtime Lecture series sponsored by the University of Illinois Alumni Association at UIS.

Lincoln is arguably one of the best-known American icons, and a large part of the world tries to identify itself with values he represents. Recently, several authors have used Lincoln’s status to draw attention to their own work; however, they have done so by accusations that he was a racist who paid more attention to reelection than to emancipation. Is there a Lincoln we can rely on to stand for our values, or should we dispense with heroes? Bill Bloemer, dean of UIS’ College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will moderate the presentation and the discussion that follows.

A hot buffet lunch begins at 11:45 a.m. Paludan’s presentation will start at 12:10 p.m. and, along with the accompanying question-and-answer session, will conclude by 12:50 p.m. Those who have the time are welcome to linger for more discussion.

The cost for lunch and the program is $18 per person, $13 for Alumni Association members and their guests. Reservations are required and should be made no later than Friday, November 15. To make a reservation, call the Alumni Association at (217) 206-7395 or e-mail alumni@uis.edu.

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