Lectures

In Person Date: SEPT. 16

Zoom Date: Sept 19

Presenter: GENE BIGLER, FORMER DIPLOMAT AND RETIRED PROFESSOR

As the presidential campaigns begin to hit full stride the contest is expected to boil down to the record of the Biden administration versus the identity connections of Christian nationalism and other conservative ties to Trump’s MAGA Republican loyalists. Polls will take on more significance, so should the influence of Trump’s court cases, outside events, other actors, and election bruhaha.

In Person Date: SEPT. 23

Zoom Date: SEPT. 26

Presenter: HEATHER LESLIE HAMMER, UNITED METHODIST PASTOR & AUTHOR

“Shetland Mist” is based on the story of Heather’s great-great-grandmother who lived in the 1800s in Shetland, Scotland. She will share her writing process and answer questions regarding elements of historical fiction, such as character, theme, and setting. The lecture will encourage you to research your family ancestry and, perhaps, visit the Shetland Islands!

In Person Date: SEPT. 30

Zoom Date: OCT. 3

Presenter: DENISE DAVIS, PROGRAM COORDINATOR & ALEXANDRA CASTILLO-WEISGERBER, DIRECTOR, CARE & SUPPORT

Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It’s a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available to address some symptoms, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

In Person Date: OCT. 7

Zoom Date:  OCT. 10

Presenter: RUSSELL LOW, AUTHOR

In the early 1900s, Sonora Street was part of Stockton’s Chinatown. Little remains of the lives of the hundreds of Chinese-American families who made a home in Stockton. This story brings to life Fong Wy, Gee Shee, and their seven children. During the Depression, these young children confronted the world with love, courage, and unshakeable resilience as the Orphans on Sonora Street.

In Person Date: OCT. 21

Zoom Date:  OCT. 24

Presenter: DONNA BROWN, FORMER DEPUTY CITY MANAGERDONNA BROWN, FORMER DEPUTY CITY MANAGER

This lecture will include information on the City of Stockton Public Art Program, its background, purpose, funding, as well as photos of the public art and its locations throughout the City. Information on the artists and the process for choosing the artists and the art will be covered. There are over 66 pieces scattered around the City.

In Person Date: OCT. 28

Zoom Date:  OCT. 31

Presenter: MIKE WURTZ, HEAD OF HOLT-ATHERTON SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES AT UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC

 The Holt-Atherton Special Collections and Archives in the University of the Pacific library documents the diverse history and people of Stockton within its hundreds of archival collections. In a series of vignettes, Wurtz explores Stockton’s diversity as represented in Pacific’s archival holdings.

In Person Date: NOV. 4

Zoom Date:  NOV. 7

Presenter: DEAN PLASSARAS, REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER

The lecture will examine the process of how raw land is transformed to higher and best uses of real estate values through adherence to sustainable community-building principles. It will compare the two highest-profile Stockton communities based on amenities and higher quality of life issues. It will also synthesize a modest proposal of collaboration between the two most experienced developers in the City of Stockton in a structure that maximizes benefits to the city’s image as a desirable place to live and work.

In Person Date: NOV. 18

Zoom Date:  NOV. 21

Presenter: JACQI STEVENS, PRESIDENT OF THE SAN JOAQUIN GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

You are a combination of the stories of many ancestors. Discover the fulfilling pursuit of genealogy while uncovering the history of your family’s travels through time. Learn how to begin building your family tree through free and inexpensive online resources while listening to examples of unexpected discoveries from past generations, and how that knowledge can transform how you see yourself.

In Person Date: DEC. 2

Zoom Date:  DEC. 5

Presenter: GENE BIGLER, FORMER DIPLOMAT AND RETIRED PROFESSOR

Given the degree of polarization and the expected closeness expected in the vote and the 2020 experience, the outcome of the 2024 election may be in suspense far longer and greater than usual. With both contenders forecasting existential outcomes of continued democracy vs. dictatorial initiatives, the lecture will turn to a careful assessment of what to expect before and after Jan. 6, 2025

Date: SEPT. 5

Presenter: MIKE AGRON, MUSIC AFICIONADO

 Explore Motown’s roots in its pivotal years from 1957 -1962. Discover how founder Berry Gordy’s vision captured a sound to transcend musical & cultural boundaries and resonate with audiences worldwide. This kickoff session is your gateway to attend seven other sessions for the full Magic of Motown seminar series during its golden era in the 60s, 70s and early 80s. Join us to unlock the stories behind the music that continues to inspire.

Date: SEPT. 9

Presenter: CAROLYN DOUGHERTY, RETIRED TEACHER 

There is a lot of misinformation being shared in today’s world. What can we do when someone we care about falls for it? In this lecture, which is an introduction to the Constructing Conversations workshop, we will explore strategies to recognize misinformation, some reasons why people might believe it, and why constructive conversations may be more crucial more than ever.

Date: SEPT. 12

Presenter: DANA NUCCITELLI, RESEARCH COORDINATOR 

This lecture will discuss the progress made so far in addressing climate change and the proposed policies to accelerate that progress and meet America’s international climate commitments. The United States passed its biggest-ever climate bill in 2022 – the Inflation Reduction Act – but we’re still not on target to meet our Paris climate commitments. This lecture will discuss additional solutions that could close the rest of America’s emissions gap by 2030 and beyond.

Date: OCT. 14

Presenter: TERRY MCATEER, RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Samuel Tilden won the popular vote, was leading in the Electoral College and then party politics took over. Rutherford B. Hayes was handed the Presidency by the House of Representatives. Let’s understand this unique chapter of American history and explore this rarely used portion of the Constitution which could finds its way into the 2024 election.

Date: OCT. 17

Presenter: STEPHENIE SLAHOR, PROFESSIONAL WRITER

The world is filled with fascinating caves, rocks and stones that have played interesting roles in ancient and modern times. Take a Zoom trip around the world to explore some of the famous and not-so-famous sites where geology took a prominent place in human lore. In part three we look at more unusual sites in the world where geology plays a key role including Valley of Fire (Nevada), Monument Valley, and the Rosetta Stone.

Date: NOV. 11

Presenter: KEITH HATSCHEK, PROFESSOR OF MUSIC EMERITUS & MIKE WURTZ, HEAD OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES

Dave and Iola (née Whitlock) Brubeck started their lives together at Pacific right next to the stage at the campus Conservatory Theater in 1941. Their partnership in music, Civil Rights, cultural exchange, and international diplomacy lasted over 70 years. Hear and see their stories and learn about their wonderful legacy.

Date: DEC. 9

Presenter: ANETTE ISAACS, GERMAN HISTORIAN

Uncover the rich history and cultural significance behind cherished customs such as the Advent calendar, Christkindlmarkt, and St. Nicholas Day. Delve into the heartwarming tales of the Christkind and the festive decoration of the Tannenbaum, while also exploring the delectable delights of traditional holiday treats like Lebkuchen and Stollen. Join German Historian Anette Isaacs and journey through time and tradition, exploring how Germany’s unique customs have shaped the magic of Christmas celebrations worldwide.

Date: DEC. 12

Presenter: DAVID KROESE, AUTHOR & LECTURER

We tour the six national park sites in the Black Hills region through their primary resources and endearing qualities. The Black Hills region national parks include Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Devils Tower National Monument.