Thinker on a Rock, a 12-foot bronze rabbit in a pose recalling Rodin's famous Thinker by Welsh sculptor Barry Flanagan, resides just south of Graham Chapel.

About the Assembly Series

Since 1953, the Washington University Assembly Series has brought some of the most important voices in contemporary society to campus. The programs, which cover a broad range of topics designed to complement the University's curriculum, are free and open to the public.

Support for the series comes from Student Union and the University, as well as from other student groups, academic departments, and schools. Faculty and students may submit recommendations for speakers to the Assembly Series Committee at Campus Box 1070 or by calling (314) 935-4620.

Weather may affect lectures being held on campus as well as flight departures/arrivals for speakers traveling from other cities. Please check this page for updated information on the day of lectures.

 

Upcoming lectures:

Parker Palmer

"Healing the Heart of Democracy"
4:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Graham Chapel
"We don't want to know what we really know, because if we did, we'd have to change our lives." These words from Parker Palmer, bestselling author, educator, and founder/senior partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal, reveal the underlying principle at work in his most recent book, Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit. It grew out of his own experience, a lifetime process to rid himself of illusions and discover "a workable reality." It's a remedy that contains as much hope as reality, a hallmark of Palmer's philosophy. His enlightenment was hard won, and he draws upon his individual struggle to illustrate a parallel situation occurring in American society. In Healing the Heart of Democracy he pleads for our country—and the body politic—to understand that our very democracy is at stake, and it's time to stare reality in the face and begin the healing process.
Sponsored by the John C. Danforth Center for Religion & Politics, the Gephardt Institute for Public Service, and Office of Residential Life

Parker Palmer and Carrie Newcomer

"Healing the Heart of Democracy—A Gathering of Spirits for the Common Good"
8 p.m. Feb. 10, Graham Chapel
Palmer will be joined onstage by singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer in a music spoken word event titled "Healing the Heart of Democracy—A Gathering of Spirits for the Common Good." Their goal is best expressed in Newcomer's own words: "Our music and spoken word event aims to integrate heart and mind, story and song. The presentation will be quietly counter-cultural as we speak the words of the poets, the prophets, and the dreamers, and sing music that comforts the heart and engages the mind. We hope to offer a reminder of the value and worth of our individual stories as well as the power of the gathered community when we agree to roll up our sleeves and work together for the common good." With15 albums to her credit, Newcomer is celebrated for her blend of rich alto, poetic lyricism, and a unique spiritual perspective. She has toured with such folk luminaries as Alison Krauss and Union Station, has recorded songs with Mary Chapin Carpenter, and received a Grammy Award in 2003 for her song, "I Should Have Known Better," recorded by Nickel Creek.
Sponsored by the John C. Danforth Center for Religion & Politics, the Gephardt Institute for Public Service, and Office of Residential Life