What would you do if you were stranded on a desert island? What would you do with a million dollars? These "what if" questions have been used many a time by children and adults alike to spark thought and an interesting conversation or two.
Tonight, at 8 p.m. in Cabell Hall Auditorium, three distinguished University professors will attempt to answer an interesting "what if" question: "What if this were your last lecture to be given at U.Va.?"
The lecture topics are left completely up to the professors, who choose topics that are important to them personally.
Tonight's lectures will include presentations by James Cargile, Prof. and director of colloquium series in the Corcoran Department of Philosophy; Ann Hamric, Nursing Assoc. Prof., Center for Biomedical Ethics; and Wende Marshall, Anthropology Asst. Prof.
These professors were selected by the Last Lecture Series committee.
"We strive to find professors who are engaging speakers, and who represent a cross-section of the University," said fourth-year College student Cara Volpe, a committee member.
Because professors have the freedom to speak on whatever subject they choose, the subject of the lectures is not necessarily related to the professors' academic interests. The subject of the lectures often are emotionally significant to the professors.
"The speakers provide wisdom they've learned through teaching and life," said Ben Hicks, second-year College student and committee chair.
Today's event is the 12th annual "Last Lecture series." The series has had continued growth and positive response. "It's grown in size a lot," Volpe said.
In fact, about 500 people attended last year's series. "People were standing in the back of the Newcomb hall ballroom where we held the series last year," Hicks said.
This year, the Last Lecture Series committee said they hope for attendance numbers over 700.
After the last of the 20-minute lectures, attendees are invited to Lawn room 18 for a reception and a chance to speak with the lecturing professors.
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