First Fridays provides an informal opportunity to hear a few Quality Speakers™ from EIU tell us something about their exciting innovations and creative accomplishments in a quick and accessible way: 10 minutes maximum for each speaker!
We have a countdown clock. If it gets to zero, our Quality Speaker™ risks being pummeled with rotten fruits and vegetables, or other forms of polite public shaming.
Starting in 2018, we initiated a fun alternative for whatever else you were thinking of doing on the first Friday of the month.
So you can learn something while having a beverage of your choice.
Come. Bring a friend. Buy our Quality Speaker™ a drink. Share the link on social media.
Faculty and staff are invited to submit applications to present their work, and receive very modest compensation (though many refuse!). We are looking for presentations pitched to a general audience. We emphasize that the talks should be entertaining, innovative, and also brief (10 minutes). There will be ample opportunity for the audience to question and comment, and for conversations to continue and grow.
The events will be held at various locations off campus in hopes of enticing local businesses to host gatherings. We have had gatherings at the Top of the Roc and The Brick House Grill and The Penalty Box.
We want First Fridays to bring together the EIU and the larger community in a setting that fosters dialogue and exchange. All are welcome! The research and teaching of university professors can sometimes be rather mysterious not only to folks outside, but also to professors in other departments and colleges. Our goal is to surprise you with the fascinating work being done at EIU, and to inspire you with new and creative ideas.
Doudna Fine Arts Center 1343
(217) 581-3968
humanitiescenter@eiu.edu
