Matthias Wahlstrom Lecture

The Matthias Wahlstrom Lecture is intended to be an annual lecture by a Gustavus faculty member on the possibilities of the liberal arts in the 21st century.

The lecture’s namesake served as the College’s fifth president from 1881 to 1904 and helped transform Gustavus from an academy to a degree-granting college. During his presidency, Wahlstrom expanded and improved the College’s facilities, which transformed the campus and helped cement its future. Wahlstrom also turned the campus into a place where male and female students were equally welcome by allowing female students to live on campus for the first time.

2019-20 Matthias Wahlstrom Lecture

Please join us on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, for the sixth annual Matthias Wahlstrom Lecture. Paschal Kyoore, Professor of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, will present his talk entitled "Challenging the 'Center' in Liberal Arts Education in the USA.” President Rebecca Bergman will introduce Professor Kyoore and refreshments will be provided for after lecture conversation.

Past Speakers

• 2019, Debra Pitton, "The embedded skills within a liberal arts education–the key to future success"
• 2018, Marie Walker, Psychological Science, "Diversity and the Liberal Arts"
• 2017, Michele Rusinko, Theatre and Dance, "Creativity, Resiliency, Dignity, and a Good Life"
• 2016, Max Hailperin, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics, "Liberal Arts Education in the Age of Accountability"
• 2015, Deborah Goodwin, Religion, "The Liberal Arts and Class Warfare"