Nielsen is Back: Activities for 26-27
Todd May | Sept. 8, 2026
Activist Jack Morris, a former Nielsen speaker, talks to students at Warren Wilson College (WWC) in Canon Lounge on March 26, 2026 in Swannanoa, N.C. (Echo/Emma Taylor McCallum)
Last academic year, the generous grant from Helmar Nielsen funded six fabulous and well-attended activities. There was a talk by podcaster Chenjerai Kumanyika on the history of the police and a panel discussion on solitary confinement with attorney Jules Lobel, formerly incarcerated Jack Morris, and activist Dolores Canales. In addition there were luncheons with our own Scotti Norman and Alysia Sawchyn, and two panel discussions with students and staff on “What Makes Life Meaningful?” and “What is Race?”
This year should be just as inspiring. In the fall, Ladelle McWhorter, Emeritus Professor ofWomen’s Studies at the University of Richmond, has been invited to campus for a talk entitled “What Does Homophobia Have to Do with Racism? Let’s Look at the History” The talk will be held on Oct. 22 in Canon Lounge at 7:00 p.m. Her book “Racism and Sexual Oppression in Anglo-America” is a classic discussion of the issue.
In addition, we’re hosting another (free!) luncheon with Professor Eric Griffin on Oct. 1 from 11:50-12:40 in Canon Lounge. His topic is “Patterns and Processes in Forest Biomes: Field and Restoration Work.” Come for the tacos, stay for the discussion!
Finally for the fall, on Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m., we’re having our fourth staff/faculty/student panel. This one is: “AI is Here: Now What?” There will be two students, one faculty member, and, yes, Director of IT Mars Landis’ AI assistant. It should be interesting and, if we do it right, a bit controversial. You won’t want to miss this.
We’re still working on events for the spring, so stay tuned! If you have questions about any of this, or would like to make suggestions for future faculty/student forums, or are a faculty or staff member interested in presenting at a luncheon, don’t hesitate to contact me at todd-may@warren-wilson.edu.