In an annual University of Memphis event, students will be ableto listen next week to conversations on topics ranging from war tohummingbird gardens.
The College of Arts and Sciences will hold its annual GreatConversations dinner, which will consist of a meal and theopportunity to take part in three of 28 possible discussions.
"The event is not just for students, it is for the entirecommunity and serves as a fundraiser for the college," said KennethLichstein, professor of psychology.
Jennifer Wagner-Lawlor, event planner and associate dean ofcommunications in the College of Arts and Sciences, said the eventhas been very successful in the past.
"It has been a great event for the college, and the responsecards given out at the end of the event have been unanimouslyenthusiastic," she said. "Everyone seems to enjoy themselves."
Associate professor of sociology Wanda Rushing attended theevent last year and said she is excited to participate again.
"This year, my topic will be related to a course we taught lastsemester called Globalizing Culture Using Information Technology,she said. "The course connected U of M students with students inSouth Africa, the guest country for Memphis in May, so I am excitedto talk with different people because the two events are so closelyconnected."
Professors involved with the event said Great Conversations is agood cause and a good way to connect the community with variousaspects of The University.
However, some students said they would not be able to attend dueto the event's $65 fee.
"Even if my schedule allowed time for me to attend, I probablystill would not because, like most college students, I do not havethat kind of money to spare," said Lindsay Kemme, freshman.
However, the money is truly a donation to the College of Artsand Sciences, one professor said.
"Some may see the fee as expensive, but it is a good excuse togive extra money to the college and benefit everyone, including thestudent body," said Cynthia Bernstein, English professor.
Arch Johnston, director of the earthquake center and professorof earth sciences, said having a dinner similar to GreatConversations just for students would be a good idea.
"An event like this would benefit students who are undecided orstudents who are thinking of declaring a double major or a minor,"Johnston said.
Great Conversations will be held Thursday, April 22, at 5:30p.m. in the Holiday Inn at The U of M. Reservations arerequired.
