OHIO gifts share knowledge, wisdom, and love

Not many small Appalachian towns can attract such notable speakers as feminist activist Gloria Steinem or National Public Radio’s Ira Flatow. But two of Ohio University’s public lecture series have been bringing dozens of renowned figures like these to Athens for decades, enriching the relationship between OHIO and its surrounding communities through the open exchange of knowledge.

The Kennedy Lecture Series, established in 1962 by a gift from Edwin L., AB ’26, HON ’65, and Ruth Kennedy, BSED ’30, hosts speakers who appeal to a broad cross-section of the OHIO community to discuss significant issues in American life.

The Frontiers in Science Lecture Series was born from the generosity of Jeanette Grasselli Brown, BS ’50, HON ’78, and her husband, Glenn Brown, in 1991. It hosts speakers who are adept at sharing their research with a general audience.

Both seek to give the greater OHIO community access—at no cost—to “people who have important things to say,” says Judith Rhue, chair of both series’ speaker selection committee.

“That’s what makes [these gifts] so special – because it’s not private, only available to a few people who have the opportunity to go,” says Rhue, a professor of family medicine. “It’s really available to everyone on campus and the community surrounding it.”

Grasselli Brown and her husband established the Frontiers in Science series due to a desire to share their own relationship with the field, which is rooted in their long careers in science, with the broader public.

“Because we are scientists, as world or local issues were arising, we were very dismayed by the lack of understanding—often even in the media—of scientific issues,” says Grasselli Brown, a former University trustee who retired as director of corporate research and analytical science for BP America.

“Science is fun. It really is,” she continues. “I hope that learning a little bit more from experts … would make people say, ‘Maybe I’d like to do that.’”

For Rhue, both the Frontiers in Science and the Kennedy Lecture Series exemplify OHIO’s role in its immediate community, as well as within society at large.

“We’re a public university, and so our goal is to educate and to share that education for the public good. This is one aspect of that,” she says.

Feature photograph: OHIO’s Kennedy Lecture Series welcomed Julie Cohen, co-producer and director of the Oscar-nominated documentary, “RBG,” in September. Photo by Ellee Achten, BSJ ’14, MA ’17