The E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues 2025-26 season centers on the theme "Belonging: Finding Connection in a Lonely World." Faculty are invited to use the following events in fall courses as required or optional activities for students, or as a make-up or extra-credit opportunity. All fall events are free and open to the public.
Cooper Conversation: Short Films Screening
Sept. 18 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Swanson Auditorium
"Belonging: Finding Connection in a Lonely World" will include a screening and discussion of five-minute films from the WHO Social Connection Series and Project UnLonely Films, featuring stories of people making connections around the world.
Vivek Murthy
Oct. 14 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Lied Center for Performing Arts
Vivek Murthy was the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States and author of Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World. "A Conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy" will be moderated by Dele Davies, Interim Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. All are welcome to join the #NCLUDE learning group to read and discuss Murthy’s book. Register by Sept. 3.
Orly Israel
Nov. 18 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Location TBD
In "Belonging is a Practice, Not a Place," Orly Israel, who is a communication strategist, creator of The Listening Table, and vice president of Warmline.org, teaches communication skills to foster authentic human connection. Israel will deliver additional workshops to groups of up to 20 people. Contact Rebecca Baskerville at rbaskerville7@unl.edu to request a workshop for your class or group.
Save the date for two mainstage events this spring: Ignite Lincoln on Feb. 17 and Shaylyn Romney Garrett on Mar. 31. Those interested in speaking at Ignite Lincoln should apply online. Throughout the academic year, the Honors Program will host additional Cooper Conversations related to this season's theme.
For more information, to reserve tickets, to watch the livestream, or to access recorded lectures, visit the E.N. Thompson website.
More details at: https://enthompson.unl.edu/