Academics

Josh Inwood to deliver inaugural Liberal Arts First-Year Valedictory Address

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Josh Inwood, associate professor of geography and African American studies, will deliver the inaugural Liberal Arts First-Year Valedictory Address at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 23, in 112 Chambers Building. The theme of Inwood’s presentation will be “Living in the World House: Martin Luther King and Understanding Our Place in an Interconnected World.”

While the First-Year Lecture at the beginning of the academic year has become a yearly tradition, this is the first time an address will be held at the conclusion of the academic year.

This year’s talk will tie into the college’s undergraduate theme for the year: “Moments of Change: Remembering '68.” The College of the Liberal Arts has been celebrating this theme the whole academic year with various events, lectures and movie nights focused on the events of that year.

“I hope that students realize that King is not just an important historical figure but also someone who would have a lot to say about our present condition and how we interrelate with one another,” said Inwood. “We need to focus on King’s continued relevance and role in our society and we need to see King as someone who did more than give a great speech in Washington, DC, on the National Mall.”

The first-year lectures were created to bring a sense of community and shared purpose among first-year students majoring in liberal arts disciplines. First-year students in the College of the Liberal Arts are expected to attend the event; other students and faculty also are invited and will be admitted as space permits.

Last Updated April 19, 2018

Contact