Cooper Conversations

Cooper Conversations, facilitated by University Honors Program students, aim to bring together community leaders with Honors students for regular, meaningful conversations about important, if difficult, issues. This venue gives students access to important community partners to help them grow their success networks while allowing community partners to connect with some of UNL’s best and brightest students. These community conversations draw on national models and engage experts in effective dialogue and cross-cultural communication.

Each conversation focuses on an important topic related to community building and civic engagement, tied to the annual theme of the E. N. Thompson Forum on World Issues. These conversations further the goals of the Honors Program, specifically helping students develop 21^st century skills and mindsets that will make them ready for an uncertain, globalized world. For each conversation, the Honors Program and its campus partners invite community leaders to gather with undergraduate students while engaging in authentic conversations about relevant current topics.

The Cooper Foundation offers financial support for Cooper Conversations and for the E. N. Thompson Forum on World Issues. Since 1934, the Cooper Foundation has invested in the people of Nebraska through its mission to support strong, sustainable organizations, innovative ideas, and ventures of significant promise.

Spring 2022 Conversations

Wednesday, Feb 16, 12:30-2:00pm
Red Cloud A, Cather Dining Complex

Tackling the Complex Dynamics of Race, Sports and Social Justice

With Dr. Lawrence Chatters (Executive Associate Athletic Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and former Huskers Dr. Jamie Williams, Jay Foreman, and Michael Rose-Ivey

RSVP Here

Wednesday, Mar 9, 2:30-3:45pm
Pioneers Room, Cather Dining Complex

Maternal & Reproductive Healthcare for BIPOC Women

With campus/community leaders focused on prenatal care, access and barriers to care, and post-natal support for the mother and child

RSVP Here

Tuesday, Mar 22, 7:00pm
The Bay

Forum Youth Panel "Performative Activism: Youths Reckoning with Racial Justice"

With university and high school student activists discussing racial justice: What they’ve done, what they do, and how to move forward.

RSVP Here