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 ($50/person, per program) includes a chef-prepared hot lunch and free parking.
Buffet lunch service for noontime programs will begin at 11:30 a.m. CT. All noontime presentations will begin promptly at 12 p.m. CT, and conclude by 1 p.m. CT.
Live complimentary virtual participation for all programs is also available via Zoom Webinar.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Winter Warm Up (Virtual Only)
12:00pm-1:00pm
Hemp Dreams: Illinois Farmers' Experiences Cultivating a Novel Crop
Presented by Dr. Megan Styles, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
other fiber products. Hemp farming experienced a resurgence during WWII when blockades cut off international supplies of rope fiber. After the war, farmers transitioned away from hemp due to market and taxation issues, and hemp farming was made illegal altogether in 1970. In 2018, a revision to the U.S. Farm Bill once again made it possible for farmers to grow hemp legally for use in grain, fiber, and medicinal products. With over 2500 known uses, hemp has a promising future. Dr. Styles will present her research on Illinois hemp farming -- why farmers choose to plant it, the challenges they encounter, how they overcome these obstacles, and the forms of support they need to realize their hemp dreams.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
In-person & Virtual Options Available
Lunch 11:30am | Program 12:00pm-1:00pm
Artificial Intelligence and Us: Transforming Human Life
Presented by Dr. Hei-Chi Chan, Associate Professor, Mathematical Sciences & Philosophy & AI Campus Learning Community Co-founder
Artificial Intelligence (AI) began with myths of artificial beings possessing intelligence or consciousness. Research early in the 20th century led to the invention of the programmable digital computer, inspiring scientists to the possibilities of building an “electronic brain”. Today, AI can be felt everywhere, changing how we live, love, work, shop and entertain ourselves. Dr. Chan will explore Human- AI Interaction, ethical considerations and what the future holds for humanity.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
In-person & Virtual Options Available
Lunch 11:30am | Program 12:00pm-1:00pm
“Sound” Foundations: An Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
Presented by Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D., CCC-SLP & Chancellor
This presentation will offer an overview of the field of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), highlighting its essential role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. The scope of practice and various conditions that SLPs address such as articulation disorders, language delays, stuttering, voice issues, and cognitive-communication impairments will be discussed. The session will also cover the training and skills required for speech-language pathologists, the interdisciplinary nature of the profession, and its impact on individuals of all ages. Dr. Gooch will highlight phonological (speech sound) development in the early years and the speech-language issues associated with cleft lip and palate, which were her areas of specialty as a practicing clinician.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
In-person & Virtual Options Available
Lunch 11:30am | Program 12:00pm-1:00pm
Native Americans in Illinois in 1818: Treaties and Treachery in the Path to Statehood
Presented by Dr. Michael Wiant, Historian and Retired Director, Illinois State Museum & Dickson Mounds Museum
Illinois' path to statehood was complex and significantly shaped by treaties with Native American tribes. At the time, Illinois was a sparsely populated territory, home to a mix of Native Americans, European settlers, and African American communities—both free and enslaved. Dr. Wiant will discuss the events and treaties that displaced tribes from the Illinois territory, leading to the eventual removal of tribes to reservations west of the Mississippi River.
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.