EIU Media Relations

EIU’s Academy of Lifelong Learning to host Road Scholar presentation October 9

Dr. Aaron Lawler to share insight on “life’s biggest questions” in unique, humanities-minded event

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University’s Academy of Lifelong Learning will host a unique learning event titled You Are A Story! from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, October 9 in Room 2030 of Lumpkin Hall with Road Scholar, Dr. Aaron Lawler.

Lawler will pepper his free, world-class cultural and educational presentation with a variety of Illinois authors, including Ray Bradbury, to explore life’s biggest questions – “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?”, and “What does it all mean?” Against these types of ‘Bradbury backdrops’ and using other authors’ perspectives, Lawler will investigate these areas with his audience using a distinctive intersection of philosophy, poetry, and psychology to investigate what attracts humankind to the quest for meaning and purpose, while also examining how this quest affects the way people often choose to live. This exploration will provide new and fascinating insights into the human experience, while encouraging participants to keep asking important questions about human nature.

Lawler is assistant professor of humanities at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois, and has nearly twenty years’ experience as an educator. He earned his Ph.D. from Concordia University in Chicago. He serves on two elected boards: the Kaneland District 302 School Board, and the WTTW Channel 11 Community Board. He is a researcher at Chicago's Field Museum, a Road Scholar Speaker through the Illinois Humanities (part of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois Arts Council Agency) and a lifelong member of the National Geographic Society. Lawler has delivered dozens of keynote addresses and workshops at major corporations, conferences, non-profit organizations, libraries, universities, and high schools. He has published peer-reviewed articles, a young adult novel, and also is a classically trained painter.

Now in its 25th year, the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau enables Illinois writers, storytellers, historians, folklorists, musicians, living history actors, and many others to share their expertise and enthusiasm with community groups and local organizations – including libraries, museums, arts councils, historical societies, civic groups, and others who want to provide free cultural programs to their communities. As part of a roster of 30 Road Scholar speakers, Lawler will use his scholarly and lived expertise to offer a unique venue for attendees to connect, encounter new perspectives, and learn something new.

EIU's Academy of Lifelong Learning is aimed at helping community members learn, think, and grow through new opportunities. A full catalog of Academy offerings and registration opportunities is available in the Academy’s digital Community Program Guide at go.eiu.edu/ProgramGuide. Though registration for this specific event is not required, it is strongly encouraged. Interested participants can browse the online Community Program Guide and register for this event or other classes or opportunities that appeal to them. EIU invites readers to share this information with other curious and like-minded adults who may be interested in the Academy's programming.  For additional information on EIU's Academy of Lifelong Learning, contact Academy director Daniel Douglas at (217) 581-7415 or email dadouglas@eiu.edu.