Lone Star College-CyFair’s faculty often collaborate with the Culture Appreciation and Engagement Committee and various departments across campus to take learning beyond the classroom throughout the semester hosting guest speaker presentations that are also open to all in the Cy-Fair community.

This fall, several opportunities to participate in cultural and interactive conversations covering a variety of topics will be available to attend via Zoom.

The first opportunity is Oct. 9 with a Hispanic Heritage Month presentation “Navegando Mi Sueño ~ Sailing to My Dream” in which Dr. Yolanda Lopez talks about her experiences as a Latina woman traveling the world, experiencing life in various countries, while keeping focus on her aspirations. Her personal and professional experiences will bring laughter, learning, and reflection as she shares her pursuit of her dreams within the amazingly diverse lenses of the world. Attend the 2 p.m. presentation via Zoom (or in person in the Center for Academic and Student Affairs – CASA 110.)

Next on Oct. 11, Dr. Jesse Silva, Associate Director of Student Involvement and Engagement at Texas State University, will kick off this year’s Education Speaker Series with his presentation “What is critical race theory, and why is it under attack?” Attend this 6 p.m. presentation via Zoom. For more information, email Erika.R.Stewart-Moore@LoneStar.edu.

Then LSC-CyFair’s Government Department continues the opportunity for political hot topic conversation in The Village Square series Oct. 18 with “Where Woke Goes to Die - Wait, What?!” Government, Speech and History faculty and a speaker from the Political Science Club will discuss the historical origins of the use of the term "woke"; the significance of political rhetoric and linguistics; and the various contemporary political uses/definitions of the term; and the effective magnitude of utilizing the term. Attend this 1:30 p.m. conversation virtually at LoneStar.edu/VillageSquareWoke (or in person in the Center for the Arts Recital Hall Room 102.)

And finally, join History Professor Robert O’Brien’s engaging conversation Oct. 25 with award-winning author of “Miracle Creek”, Angie Kim. In a discussion of Kim’s latest novel, “Happiness Falls”, they will explore themes spanning racism, neurodiversity, social class, generational trauma, disabilities and immigration. Kim's powerful storytelling cultivates a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of human experience. Several copies of “Happiness Falls” will be given away during this event. Attend this 1:30 p.m. interview virtually at LoneStar.edu/AngieKim.  Email Robert.M.Obrien@LoneStar.edu for more information on this event co-hosted by the LSC-CyFair Cultural Appreciation and Engagement Committee and the Office of Culture and Engagement.

For information on future Cultural Appreciation and Engagement presentations, go to LoneStar.edu/cyfair-culture and for various department speaker series information, check the college calendar of events at LoneStar.edu/cyfair.