Professors to give their 'last lecture'

Two professors will give a lecture as though it is the last one they will ever give.

Paul Cornish, professor of political science, and David Leonard, professor of chemistry, will present at Student Senate’s annual Last Lecture event on Thursday, November 17, at 7 p.m., in the Multipurpose Room of the Mary Idema Pew Library.

The event, held at universities across the nation, is inspired by a speech delivered in 2007 by cancer-stricken Carnegie Mellon University professor Randy Pausch titled, “The Last Lecture.” It focused on celebrating the life he had always dreamed of instead of concentrating on death. He died at age 47, almost a year after giving the speech.

Alexander Turnbull, a student senator and member of the Educational Affairs Committee, said students, faculty and staff members nominated 35 professors. The committee decided on four possible lecturers and senators voted on the speakers.

"We host this event to give professors a chance to talk about things beyond the classroom, to delve into their own world," said Turnbull.

The event is free and approved for LIB 100 and 201 classes. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information contact the Student Senate at 616-331-2333 or [email protected].