The Lunch and Learn Series, presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society, is a series of noontime lectures in the University's tradition of open and intelligent dialogue.
In-person participation for all programs will take place at Illini Country Club in Springfield, IL. The in-person registration fee for noontime programs ($40/person, per program) includes a chef-prepared hot lunch and free parking. The mid-morning winter warm-up program will offer complimentary coffee, hot tea, and snacks.
Live complimentary virtual participation for all programs is also available via Zoom Webinar.
The Marvelous Land of Oz!
Thursday, October 10
Doors Open 11 am | Lunch 11:30 am | Program 12-1 pm
2025 will mark the 125th anniversary of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which spawned the classic 14-book series. Prolific author L. Frank Baum spent much of his life in Illinois, writing and producing children’s books and literature. He penned 41 novels, 83 short stories, over 200 poems, and at least 42 scripts. The 1939 adaptation of the first Oz book became a landmark of 20th-century cinema.
Presenter: Mark W. Sorensen, Past President, Illinois State Historical Society
Pastel Artistry
Tuesday, November 12
Doors Open 11 am | Lunch 11:30 am | Program 12-1 pm
Tracey Maras is best known for her realistic pastel paintings of the natural world around us and life interacting with it. Her paintings convey a sense of serenity and connectedness. Working with the pure pigment of pastels, her pieces convey subtle vibrancy that capture moments and sensations that instill a sense of peace.
Presenter: Tracey Maras, Award-winning Artist
Illinois Rejects Slavery
Wednesday, December 4
Doors Open 11 am | Lunch 11:30 am | Program 12-1 pm
In the summer of 1824, the Illinois General Assembly was on the brink of changing our state constitution to permit slavery outright. Though the Northwest Ordinance designated Illinois a “free territory" in 1787, proslavery sentiment in southern Illinois was strong and challenged the efforts to keep the new state of Illinois free. Dr. Caroline Kisiel, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, will present on the people and events that culminated in Illinois remaining a free state.
Presenter: Dr. Caroline Kisiel, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar
Previous Lunch and Learn content is archived on MediaSpace.
If you have any questions, please contact UIS Advancement at advancement@uis.edu or 217-206-6058.