Nov 1, 2024/Midnight

Erie, Pa.– On October 30, Gannon University welcomed Lara Schwartz to the Warner Theatre to talk and engage with students.

Schwartz is a professor in the School of Public Affairs at American University, and she is the founding director of the Project on Civic Dialogue. Her book, Try to Love the Questions, encourages educators and students to comprehend and engage with discussions surrounding civil discourse. The book also sets up college communities to effectively navigate free speech and inclusion.

Students were able to join Schwartz in the Warner Theatre starting at 6 p.m. and were also able to have their personal copies signed by the author after the event and books were available for sale.

All Gannon 101 students were required to attend the event with their facilitators. Students gave their testimony on what they thought of the event and what they took away from the experience.

“Overall, I thought it was very informative, I will take the lessons from the book and the talk tonight into future considerations when I’m in the positions to understand all sides of the issue.” – McKenna McCausland.

Peyton Duffey, one of the students who attended the event, thought that Schwartz was a very good speaker and helped broaden the minds of the students on how differing opinions make the world better.

“Without difference of opinion there would be no evolution or growth within our society…some of the most successful people in life not only argue things but they listen to the opposing sides.” Duffey states. 

Even though many students enjoyed the presentation there were some who thought it was almost sleep–inducing after a long day stating that, “everyone just wants to go home.”