University for a Day Returns to Schemel Forum this Fall

After a hiatus of several years, University for a Day returns to the Schemel Forum this fall with a daylong series of talks and discussions about topics related to current trends and their implications for the future.

The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center on the University's campus. In addition to the usual Schemel Forum audience, this year's University for a Day event will be offered to youth in the area.

"The first 50 high school juniors and seniors to sign up will attend the day for free," said George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library and director of the Schemel Forum. High School students must register in advance.

The day opens with a presentation by Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor of philosophy at The University of Scranton, who will discuss "The Philosophy behind JD Vance, Project 2025 and the Rise of Christian Nationalism." Dr. Meyer's talk will critically examine the ideas that have reshaped conservatism in the United States and even across the world, influencing a figure like JD Vance and the 2025 project and giving rise to Christian nationalism.

Next, Sarah Kenehan, Ph.D., executive director of the Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities at the University, will discuss "Climate Justice: Theory, Hurdles and Opportunities."

"The vast majority of Americans now believe that climate change is real, that it's a problem and that it's a manmade problem," said Dr. Kenehan. "Climate justice looks back at who caused the problem and looks ahead to who will suffer the most consequences."

While there are questions about what we can do as individuals and communities to address climate change, Dr. Kenehan believes that "everything we can do is impactful."

For high school students attending University for a Day, Dr. Kenehan hopes to impart a hopeful message. "Their voice matters," she said. "From the careers they will have and the cars they drive, to the food they eat, they can make a difference."

In her talk, Dr. Kenehan will discuss how climate control is not just a political problem, but a moral responsibility, and whether you are a high school student or a retiree, there's something everyone can do to help.

Sinchul Back, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Cybercrime and Homeland Security Program at the University, will discuss "AI, Cybercrime and Community Safety." This special lecture delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), cybercrime and community safety, providing a comprehensive overview of how modern criminals leverage cutting-edge technologies to exploit vulnerabilities in our digital and physical worlds. This course is designed for students, community members, the elderly and anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the importance of proactive safety measures. Participants with computers will be able to participate in hands-on practices.

Rounding out the day of presentations will be a talk by Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor chair and program director of physical therapy at the University. A board-certified clinical specialist emeritus in neurologic physical therapy, Dr. Hakim will present "Advances in Rehabilitation Technology to Improve Human Mobility." Rehabilitation technology, a relatively new and expanding field, includes devices that help people regain and improve function after injury or illness. Dr. Hakim will discuss various systems, including robotics, virtual/augmented reality and wearable sensors, and will provide an overview of implications for motor learning and recovery.

To register for University for a Day, or for more information on the Schemel Forum, call 570-941-4740 or email [email protected]. Registration is free for University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members; and $55 per person and $100 per couple for non-members. The first 50 high school juniors and seniors to sign up may attend free of charge. Continental breakfast and buffet lunch are included. To pay for courses online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

Additional Schemel Forum events can be found on the Schemel Forum's webpage.

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