The College of Arts and Sciences' Food for Thought livestream series serves as an opportunity for our alumni and friends to hear from faculty experts, explore topics of interest, and stay connected with Indiana University and the College. These online programs are free and recorded so you can participate regardless of your location or schedule.
Details about our Spring 2026 season are listed below. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this spring's Food for Thought series will focus on an array of related topics, from Ancient Greek democracy to America's religious history.
In addition to our upcoming events, you can view recordings of select recent Food for Thought presentations farther down the page or view a complete archive of all our past presentations on the College's YouTube channel.
Our Food for Thought program is so much more than just an educational series. It’s a way for alumni and faculty to reconnect with each other, and with Indiana University.
Rick Van Kooten, Executive Dean
Our March 4 livestream will feature a presentation and Q&A with Associate Professor of History Konstantin Dierks, who will explore why the Declaration of Independence responded to the complexities of 1776 by targeting King George III, articulating broad grievances beyond taxation, and imagining a new political people that would shape American history.
Our April 1 livestream will feature a joint presentation with Professors of Religious Studies M. Cooper Harriss and Sarah Imhoff, who will discuss the IU-based journal American Religion’s “Under Gods” project, a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute, which tells the story of America’s 250-year religious history, decade by decade, showing how many faiths, not just one, have shaped the nation from its founding to today.
During this Food for Thought presentation, Distinguished Professor Emerita of English Susan Gubar discussed the subject of her new book, Grand Finales, which explores how highly creative elderly artists sustain or reinvent their creative lives in old age.
During this presentation, Ruth N. Halls Distinguished Professor of Photography Osamu James Nakagawa discussed his newest artistic project, "American Truths," with Yaël Ksander, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design and WFIU Public Radio host and producer.
In this presentation, Luther Dana Waterman Associate Professor of Sociology Anna Mueller discussed the social roots of youth suicide, using one community’s challenges as a case study to guide efforts in strengthening youth mental health and access to critical care.
All of our past Food for Thought livestreams are available on the College's YouTube channel.
If you have any questions about the Food for Thought series, please e-mail Director of Alumni Engagement Vanessa Cloe.
