Lectures
Centennial Scholars Lectures
Centennial Scholars Lectures are awarded each year to faculty to support activity in their own academic disciplines. The 2025-26 Centennial Scholars Lectures will be presented by:
"Developing a Protocol for Culturing Neurons and Oligodendrocytes from Zebrafish"
Student lab members: Cayley Borrud, Annika Griffith, Riham Jameel, Anusheh Shreonty
Mentors: Harshana De Silva Feelixge, Laboratory Coordinator, and Dr. Krys Strand, Associate Professor of Biology
4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Integrated Science Center 260
"The Fall and Rise of a Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Population: Using Translocation as a Supplement to Recovery"
Dr. Joseph Whittaker, Associate Professor of Biology, with these students:
Maria C. Ramstad, Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Communication Studies
Caitlin E. Haasser, Biology and Psychology
Peter J. Weinzierl, Biology and Environmental and Sustainability Studies
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Integrated Science Center 260
Criminal Justice Guest Lecture
The community is invited to attend this free event, which will explore the challenges and responsibilities of pursuing justice today and the vital role of education, ethics, and civic engagement in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. This also marks the launch of Concordia’s new criminal justice program, developed in partnership with Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, public service, and community engagement. This event is sponsored in part by the James E. Leahy Freedom Lecture Endowment. For information, contact Dr. Leila Zakhirova at
lzakhiro@cord.edu or visit
ConcordiaCollege.edu/WrigleyEvent.
“Justice and Leadership in a Changing World: A Public Address and Conversation with North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley”
7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Werth Lecture Series
“Driving Chemical Reactions with Light-Activated Nana Materials”
Renee Frontiera, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025
Barry Auditorium, Grant Center
“From Chinese Major to Chemistry Professor: Intersections of Science, Advocacy, and Outreach”
Renee Frontiera, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota
3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
Barry Auditorium, Grant Center
Alwin C. Carus and M. Elisabeth Carus Lecture
The Carus Lecture in Philosophy is presented in recognition of the charitable trusts established by the Carus family, who held lifelong interests in philosophy, science, and religion.
“Carus Lecture in the Philosophy of Law: Sustaining Institutions: Faith and Practice”
Peter Hatinen ’96 and Eric Wolff ’95
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Fuglestad Lecture
The Fuglestad Lectureship was established in 1982 in memory of R.E. “Ed” Fuglestad, who served the Concordia College biology department for 43 years. For information on the 2025-26 Fuglestad Lecture, contact Dr. John Flaspohler at
flaspohl@cord.edu.
“Cultivating a Career: From Seeds of Inspiration to a Harvest of Discovery”
Dr. Beronda Montgomery, Professor of Biology, Grinnell College
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Nornes Lecture
The Nornes Lectureship in Neuroscience realizes the vision of Dr. Howard O. Nornes ’53 and was created through generous gifts from the Howard ’53 and Sonia (Nelsen) ’58, and the LaVern ’54 and Lois (Austin) ’56 Nornes families for the benefit of Concordia students, staff, and faculty, along with the broader community. For information on the 2025-26 Nornes Lecture, contact Dr. Krys Strand at
strand@cord.edu or visit
CobberNeuro.org.
“The cerebellum under stress: alterations in the cerebellar CRF system following chronic alcohol exposure”
Dr. Chloe Erikson and Dr. Marisa Roberto, Scripps Research
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Grose Lecture
The annual Grose Lecture is named after Ingebrikt Fretheim Grose, Concordia’s first president (1891-1893). He was trained as a classicist, and the purpose of the lecture is to foster the work of classicists who are advancing through the early and middle stages of their careers and to bring to Concordia cutting-edge research and the newest ideas in the field. For information on the 2025-26 Grose Lecture, contact Dr. Heather Waddell at
hwaddell@cord.edu.
Renowned collaborative pianist Martin Katz will be in residency Oct. 9-12.
After 38 years of recording and touring, internationally acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble New York Voices will be hanging up their microphones. Don't miss this last opportunity to enjoy an evening with this legendary vocal jazz ensemble!
Athena Brass, the first women's brass band in the United States, is an ensemble of female musicians from across the country. The ensemble will participate in a residency and public performance in conjunction with Concordia's annual High School Honor Band Festival and in celebration of Women's History Month.
