UIS Lunch and Learn Series

During the March 2025 Lunch and Learn Series, Dr. Hei-Chi Chan, UIS associate professor of mathematical sciences and philosophy and co-founder of the university’s AI Campus Learning Community, gave a presentation on the evolution of AI, the university's AI Campus Learning Community, how students can make the best use of AI, and the future of AI in our society. UIS is offering a camp on AI this summer.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the children's novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. During the October 2024 lunch and Learn Series, Mark W. Sorensen, past president of the Illinois State Historical Society, gave a presentation of Baum's life, his writings, and other creative ventures. Sorensen also explains the cultural impact of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

The UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society recently hosted a presentation titled “Illinois Rejects Slavery,” featuring Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Dr. Caroline Kisiel. The presentation discussed the summer of 1824 in Illinois when the Illinois General Assembly was on the brink of changing the state constitution to permit slavery outright. Dr. Kisiel explained the sentiments at the time from both abolitionists and enslavers. She also shared how despite Illinois being a free state, slavery found its way within the state’s borders.

In 2023 the UIS Lunch and Learn Series featured a program about the history of Lake Springfield. Local historian and researcher Curtis Mann spoke to the crowd about the history of Springfield’s water supply which led to the development of Lake Springfield. The program also featured Mark McDonald, who is recognized for his time as host of the Emmy-award winning program “Illinois Stories.” McDonald shared behind-the-scenes stories and what he's doing now that the program has ended.