The Nancy R. Chandler Lecture Series, a program of the Central Oregon Community College Foundation, is finishing its 40th year of bringing inspiring scholars and speakers to the region with a spring schedule that features “Building Belonging: The Science of Connecting in a Lonely World” (April 14) and “Stay Human: Author Your Mind in the AI Age” (April 28). Visit cocc.edu/foundation/cls to learn more and reserve a spot.
“Building Belonging: The Science of Connecting in a Lonely World” will examine social isolation and what the U.S. Surgeon General has dubbed the “loneliness epidemic.” Providing an engaging, scientific look at the neuroscience and psychology involved in the issue, the event will offer practical ways to strengthen human connection in everyday life. Presented free on Tuesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. in Wille Hall on COCC’s Bend campus, by Scott Crabtree, founder of the consulting firm Happy Brain Science.
Helen and Dave Edwards, cofounders of the Bend-based Artificiality Institute, will present “Stay Human: Author Your Mind in the AI Age,” on Tuesday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. in Wille Hall on COCC’s Bend campus. The research-based presentation will explore how the use of AI changes the way people think, and how it impacts one’s sense of self. Having gathered input from thousands of individuals, the researchers will discuss their findings and the importance of ethical reasoning and self-awareness. Presented with sliding-scale pricing, $0-$20.
For 40 years, the Nancy R. Chandler Lecture Series has brought diverse, thought-provoking programming to Central Oregon, from poet-activist Maya Angelou to food justice champion Bryant Terry to journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro. Thanks to sponsorships and grants, the events are always offered free to students and at low or no cost to the greater community. With the COCC Foundation, former Bulletin editor and owner Robert W. Chandler Sr. established the program in 1985 in honor of his wife.
