The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

Spring lecture series announced, set to begin next week

With the start of the new year, St. John’s University will hold a lecture series throughout the spring semester.

The Academic Lecture Series is set to begin on January 29 and is co-sponsored by various organizations and departments within the University, which include the Department of Student Life, the Student Government Inc., and the President’s Multicultural Advisory Committee.

The series kicks off with author Donald G. McNeil, Jr., who will be speaking on the “Healthcare Needs of the World’s Less Fortunate.” The lecture is meant to raise awareness of healthcare and international affairs. McNeil, set to present at the Queens Campus University Center at 12:15 p.m., is an experienced science reporter for the New York Times. According to a brief biography provided by St. John’s Central, since working with the science division of The Times, McNeil has “written mostly about diseases, especially pestilences affecting poor countries and the hunt for affordable cures.”

The second scheduled event of the Academic Lecture Series is set to take place on January 30, beginning at 7 p.m. at the University Center Commons. In the segment, Professor Joe Martin will speak about motivation, inspiration, and leadership in “Give and Grow Rich: Success Strategies for Leaders.” According to newteachersuccess.com, Martin was the youngest professor hired to teach in Florida, at the age of 24. Martin uses his own life story to compel others to “go beyond [their] borders by ‘serving’,” according to the St. John’s website. Voted as “Campus Speaker of the Year” and nominated “Lecturer of the Year” by St. John’s, Joe Martin’s words will teach one valuable thing: “You can either lead by example or excuses, but not both.”

As another event on the lecture timeline, screenplay writer and actor Trevor Rhone will appear on the Little Theatre Stage with his performance “Bellas Gates Boy,” an autobiographical piece, on February 13.

According to St. John’s Central, Rhone’s work “provide[s] cinematic and theatrical windows into the complex sociology of “blackness” and the role of gender in the changing economic, social, and relationship landscape…” Rhone has experienced various aspects of film and theatre, which include being a writer, actor, and producer.

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