Each Friday, during the college common hour from 12:30-1:20 p.m., the Humanities Institute hosts an open, informal discussion led by a member of the Saint Anselm faculty, staff or monastic community. This forum invites people from all parts of campus to come together with others who are willing to open their lunch bag and their mind to a question about our humanity. So, come Friday, pack a lunch and join the human conversation in the LaMalfa-Kelly Common Room of the Humanities Institute, unless otherwise indicated. A Zoom Link will be provided weekly for those wishing to take part remotely.
Fall 2026
SEPTEMBER 4
Would you have been a Patriot or a Loyalist during the American Revolution?
Professor Destiny Brady, Nursing Department
Matthew Harland '27
SEPTEMBER 11
Is it okay to have enemies?
Professor Christine Gustafson, Politics Department
Martina Straka '27
SEPTEMBER 18
Why do we compare ourselves to others?
Professor Kevin Doran, Sociology and Social Work Department
SEPTEMBER 25
What is slow living and how do I do it?
Professor Christian Gregory, Education Department
OCTOBER 2
Is a coincidence ever more than just a coincidence?
Professor Marc Rugani, Theology Department
Ella Calisi '29
OCTOBER 16
Do we love our pets too much?
Professor Kelly E. Demers, Education Department
OCTOBER 23
What things have caused you to change your mind?
Professor Amy Rohlfing, Biology Department
OCTOBER 30
What is keeping you awake at night?
Professor Loretta Brady, Psychology Department
Owen Bland '27
NOVEMBER 6
Are we steadily becoming more stupid?
Dr. Ben Horton, Assistant Academic Dean
NOVEMBER 13
What is the relationship to music and memory?
Professor Andrew Haringer, Fine Arts Department
Erin O'Farrell '29
NOVEMBER 20
Why do we desire to leave our hometowns?
Professor Helen Markewich, Biology Department
Aava Niroula '28
DECEMBER 4
What makes a family family?
Professor Tauna Sisco, Sociology and Social Work Department
Spring 2027
JANUARY 29
Should we really be aiming for perfection?
Professor Meg Cronin, English and Communication Department
John Fitzpatrick '27
FEBRUARY 5
Are revolutions necessary for social and political progress?
Ms. Elissa Margolin, JD, Director of Initiative for Housing Policy and Practice
Denise Gioffre '28
FEBRUARY 12
Is there such a thing as "free time" or do we have to pay for it?
Dr. Jenne Powers, Assistant Dean for Academic Support Services
FEBRUARY 19
Why do we like puzzles?
Professor Derk Wierda, Chemistry and Forensic Science Department
FEBRUARY 26
Can anyone really be free of prejudice?
Professor Aubrey Schoepner Torres, Education Department
Maggie Warner '27
MARCH 5
Why do we make, keep, and break promises?
Professor Carrie Macleod '83, P'21, Director of Undergraduate Nursing
Ms. Annie Macleod '21
MARCH 19
What is the difference between the brain and the mind?
Professor David Banach, Philosophy Department
APRIL 2
Does the Statue of Liberty still give welcome to those yearning to be free?
Professor Paul Finn, Psychology Department
Duke Addy '27, Grappone Fellow
APRIL 9
Museums, Art, and Plunder: Who Owns Beauty?
Professor Kate Bentz, Fine Arts Department
APRIL 16
Since when do people have superpowers?
Professor Kevin Staley, Philosophy Department
APRIL 23
Why do Shakespeare's sonnets matter?
Come behind Alumni Hall to find out!
APRIL 30
Is having a "bucket list" a good thing?
Professor Rong Huang, Economics and Business Department
Cezza Cardaropoli '27
MAY 7 (225th Forum)
If you could do it all over again, would you?
Winter Royce-Roll, Reference and Instruction Librarian
Vishal Velevan '28