On Thursday, October 16, 2025, The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies presents the Mary and James Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series featuring Jon Grinspan and Colleen Shogan speaking on the topic of Abraham Lincoln and the Age of Disruption.
<Christine Dannhausen-Brun, the Chief Operations Officer of Nordson Green Earth, a non-profit and all-volunteer organization based in Chicago, will discuss her work using the Miyawaki method of tree planting to bring the benefits of forests to urban communities. By creating tiny native forests, Nordson builds tree equity and helps ensure that everyone can benefit from the health, community, and social benefits that greenspaces provide. Miyawaki forests grow quickly and are self-sustaining in two to three years and mature in twenty to thirty years (versus centuries).
In recent years the world has watched major wars develop across the globe including in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. These conflicts share similarities and differences from historical wars. Additionally, these conflicts have had immense global implications including a rise in displaced people, changes in migration patterns, famine, new challenges in international alliances, and the reconsideration of domestic and foreign policy goals at the state level, not to mention the potential long-term influences these conflicts will have on elections and public opinion.
Dr. Battalora’s lecture entitled, “What Does It Mean To Be White” will feature a discussion on the relationship that exists between the American system of law and jurisprudence and the perpetuation of “whiteness” as the dominant Narrative of Socio-political and cultural identity within the United States.
Co-Sponsored by and held in conjunction with an exhibit at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, artist Moises Salazar Tlatenchi will share and discuss projects that explore the intersections of queer and immigrant identities within the Latinx community. Their studio practice examines themes of cultural heritage, resilience, and social justice, with works that challenge the dehumanization of immigrant communities. These projects create space for dialogue on issues of representation, equity, and empowerment.
This event explores the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Participants will discover effective strategies for integrating AI into existing frameworks and learn how emerging technologies are reshaping workplace and social dynamics through real-world case studies. Critical discussions will address ethical and safe AI practices, focusing on bias and data privacy to ensure fairness and transparency.
Join the UIS Center for State Policy & Leadership and the School of Politics and International Affairs for a panel discussion on foreign affairs in the 2024 U.S. elections and beyond. Dr. AJ Simmons will moderate a discussion with panelists Dr. Brandon Bolte, Dr. Adriana Crocker, Dr. Isabel Skinner, and Dr. Ali Nizamuddin. Register to reserve your spot! The Zoom link will be provided ahead of the event.
