Community Calendar

Dive into the enchanting world of "Remarkably Bright Creatures" with author Shelby Van Pelt. Discover a heartwarming story that weaves together human connection and the unexpected wisdom of a remarkable octopus. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the author of the novel that has captivated readers around the world.

A New York Times bestseller and recipient of the 2023 McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize from The Writer’s Center, "Remarkably Bright Creatures" is also being adapted into a Netflix film starring Sally Field.

Tickets are required, but are available for free through the Lenoir-Rhyne University ticketing website. A book signing will follow the lecture.

“A beautiful examination of how loneliness can be transformed, cracked open, with the slightest touch from another living thing.”
—Kevin Wilson, author of "Nothing to See Here"

The Personally Speaking series offers an eclectic range of in-depth research discussions from CHESS faculty in partnership with the J. Murrey Atkins Library. Each speaker is peer-selected to present their recently published research, focusing especially on their personal interests and motivations for studying the topic. Every evening is also a unique opportunity to network and discuss the topic with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other community members during a light reception preceding the event.┃chess.charlotte.edu
Offered four times a year in the Halton Room of Atkins Library at 5:15 p.m. with a reception at 4:15 p.m. Open to the public at no charge.

9/24

“Who is a Refugee? The Global Implications of Migration Governance in the Ottoman Empire,” featuring research by Ella Fratantuono, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of History. Based on the book Governing Migration in the Late Ottoman Empire (Edinburgh, UK: Edinburgh University Press, 2024).

10/15

“Without Water, We Have Nothing: Water Grabbing and Crises Across The Americas and Beyond,” featuring research by Caitlin Schroering, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Global Studies and Affiliated Faculty, Department of Sociology. Based on the book Global Solidarities Against Water Grabbing: Without Water, We Have Nothing (Manchester University Press, 2024).

2/18

“Bones in Bolivia’s Basins: A Biological Microhistory of Identity and Community in Ancient Bolivia,” featuring research by Sara Juengst, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology. Based on the book Cooperation and Hierarchy in Ancient Bolivia: Building Community with the Body (Routledge, 2024).

3/25

“Singing with the Mountains: Narratives of God and Language in Islam and Afghanistan,” featuring research by Will Sherman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Religious Studies. Based on the book Singing with the Mountains: The Language of God in the Afghan Highlands (New York, NY: Fordham University Press, 2023).