Last Lecture Series
By Katie McComb, Graduate Assistant for the University Center and Student Activities

Webster’s first ever Last Lecture Series is up and running. Campus Activities planned this speaker series to give faculty members at Webster University the opportunity to lecture an audience of students, staff, and faculty as if it were the “last lecture” of their career. The professors were selected by student vote, and one lecture takes place each month. The professors pick their topic.

Two lectures have taken place thus far. In September, Bernie Hayes, an adjunct professor in the media communications department, discussed the topic “Is Thou Art Great?,” which focused on the portrayal of women in the media, particularly in rap music. Hayes encouraged women to stand up for themselves and to refuse to accept inappropriate names and references. Around 45 people attended the lecture and participated in the discussion afterwards.

In October, Andrea Miller, an adjunct professor in the Behavioral and Social Sciences department, lectured about sex, race, and gender. It was an honest conversation in which she challenged people to speak out. She had the 48 attendees cover their mouths with tape to help them understand the impact of being silenced by the privileged groups in society.

Upcoming lecturers include Eileen Solomon (professor in broadcast journalism), Bill Sharpe (adjunct in communications and journalism department), Don Love (adjunct in math and computer science department), Bob Chamberlin (associate professor in the music department), Larry Baden (assistant professor in communications and journalism department), and David Clewell (professor in English department).

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