Marywood University and Scranton Reads to Host Events

Marywood University and Scranton Reads will present several events throughout the month of October at the Learning Commons at Marywood University. All of the events are free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, the Marywood Reads book selection is Never Caught: the Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge, by Erica Armstong Dunbar, finalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction. “A fascinating and moving account of a courageous and resourceful woman. Beautifully written and utilizing previously untapped sources, it sheds new light both on the father of our country and on the intersections of slavery and freedom.” (Eric Fomer, from Amazon site). This event will take place at the Learning Commons, Room 203, from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Scranton Reads/One Book—One City returns to Marywood with the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Marywood will host two presentations. The first presentation will take place on Monday, October 21, 2019, Room 206, in the Learning Commons, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Dr. Lee Sebastiani presents “Artificial Intelligence: the promise and the danger.” Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises a transformed future. This event guarantees a lively discussed about the questions AI raises and the impact it will have on each of our lives. To add to the discussion, tabletop robots will be available at the event.

The second Scranton Reads presenter is Dr. Aaron Simmons, who will present “Frankenstein, Human Nature and the Ethics of Biotechnology” on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, from 6:30- 8 p.m. in the Learning Commons, Room 206. Originally written in 1818, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein raises philosophical and ethical questions about the appropriate goals and boundaries of science that are still very relevant in today’s world. In this talk, participants will reflect on some of these questions and the implications that they may have for current pursuits in science and medicine, including our use of genetic technology to improve human beings and the quest to radically extend the average human lifespan.

The inaugural Trivia Challenge will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, on the First Floor of the Learning Commons, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Teams between 1 to 5 players will test their knowledge and skill, and the winning teams will receive a grand prize plus bragging rights. Refreshments will be served. Additionally, watch for the pop-up trivia question of the day on Marywood University’s Learning Commons Facebook page for a chance to win a gift basket.

For additional information about Marywood University and Scranton Reads events, please visit www.marywood.edu/news/, or call (570) 961-4707.