McLaughlin College Lunch Talks Series serves up special panel to start term

McLaughlin College invites the York University community to come and listen to interesting speakers as they share their knowledge on a variety of topics during the popular Lunch Talks Series. The long-running series continues this year in a virtual format via Zoom.

Students who attend six or more Lunch Talks throughout the year will receive a Certificate of Participation, while those who attend 10 or more will receive a Certificate of Honour.

The series begins this year on Sept. 21 with ceremonies and a special panel recognizing the United Nations International Day of Peace.

James Simeon
James Simeon

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world on Sept. 21. The UN has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire. 2020’s theme is “Shaping Peace Together.”

This year, a tireless virus threatens health, security and ways of life around around the world as COVID-19 reminds that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.

Each year, McLaughlin recognizes a number of UN International Days with special panel sessions to further the UN’s call for education and public awareness on issues related to peace. All members of the community are welcome to join the College for this special panel.

The talk will be moderated by James Simeon, head of McLaughlin College and an associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at York University. Panelists include Adam Chapnick, a professor of defence studies at the Royal Military College of Canada and deputy director of education at the Canadian Forces College; Matt Legge, peace program coordinator for Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC), the peace and social justice agency of Quakers in Canada; Stephanie Stobbe, interim dean and associate professor of Conflict Resolution Studies at Menno Simmons College, Central Mennonite University at University of Winnipeg; and Metta Spencer, emeritus professor of sociology at University of Toronto and author of 10 editions of the Foundations of Modern Sociology textbook.

The event takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Those interested in attending can register here: https://mycentre.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=613581.

Upcoming talks in the series include:

  • Sept. 23: Inaugural Debate on the Future of Higher Education
  • Sept. 25: Online official book launch for Terrorism and Asylum edited by James Simeon
  • Oct. 7: Justice for Syria in German Courts