2025 Archive
Discover past events from the President’s Lecture Series, where distinguished guests have shared their expertise on a wide range of thought-provoking topics. These engaging discussions offer valuable insights into history, culture, social change, and current global issues. Each event features a renowned speaker, providing in-depth perspectives that inspire critical thinking and meaningful dialogue. Browse event descriptions and watch video recordings to revisit these impactful conversations and gain a deeper understanding of the ideas that shape our world.
Searching for Black Ancestors in the American West
Dr. Alicia Odewale, an African diaspora archaeologist and UH professor, headlined
the President’s Lecture Series in celebration of Black History Month. During her talk,
she guided the audience through the hidden histories of Black towns and freedom colonies
that had been lost, burned down, abandoned, or built over.
Drawing on Toni Morrison’s concept of the “disremembered past,” Dr. Odewale explored
the process of unearthing buried histories and reclaiming erased Black heritage. The
event took place on February 18, 2025, at the TDECU Tour Room in the Welcome Center.
Entangled and Ingested: How Ocean Trash Threatens Marine Life
On April 23, 2025, the University of Houston-Downtown’s President's Lecture Series
presented an insightful event at Fondren Commons within the College of Sciences and
Technology Building. The session featured Dr. Katharine Owens, a National Geographic
Explorer, Fulbright Nehru Fellow, and Professor and Chair at the
University of Hartford.
Dr. Owens delivered a compelling presentation that included firsthand accounts from
her research on beach litter collection. She also showcased her innovative work in
transforming unrecyclable plastics into life-sized sculptures of marine animals. Attendees
engaged with the significant intersection of science, conservation, and art, gaining
a deeper understanding of the detrimental impacts of oceanic debris on wildlife such
as seabirds and sea turtles.
