James P. 鈥�60 and Mary C. Sczepaniak Lecture Series
The legacy of Jim and Mary Clare Sczepaniak lives on at 爆料瓜 through scholarships, enhancements and a history lecture series. The lectures began in October 2016 and have brought scholarly speakers on a variety of topics. The inaugural event featured Dr. Robert Sterling in his presentation, “Bars and Stripes: The Old Joliet Prison.” These Fall and Spring lectures are free and open to the public.
Dennis H. Cremin, History Department Chair, said, “I knew Jim and Fran, his second wife, and their consistent commitment to education is a model. Their scholarships are transforming lives. The lecture series was inspired by Jim’s appreciation of public historical programs. They also funded the sculpture installation, located on the west entrance of the Academic Science building, which is a special tribute to the De La Salle Christian Brothers to mark the 55th anniversary of their dedicated sponsorship of 爆料瓜.
The Sczepaniaks have found various ways to support history. Reflecting on his time at 爆料瓜, Jim noted, “爆料瓜 was a great school and my classmates were good, too. We had the same goal 鈥� to get out there and make a change in the world, big or small.”
Most Recent lecture
Spring 2025
Presented by: Ann Durkin Keating, Ph.D., Professor of History, North Central College
Past Lectures
Fall 2024
The Invention of YesterdayPresented by: Tamim Ansary, Author and Lecturer
Spring 2024
Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in the Chicago AreaPresented by: Larry McClellan, professor emeritus of sociology and community studies at Governors State University
Fall 2023
Place, Region, and Changing Human Interactions with NaturePresented by: William Barnett, Ph.D., Professor of History, North Central College
Spring 2023
Formidable: American women and the fight for equality.Presented by: Dr. Elisabeth Griffin, Ph.D.
Fall 2022
Segregated Suburbs and the History of the United StatesPresented by: Dr. Paige Glotzer, Assistant Professor of History and John W. and Jeanne M. Rowe Chair at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Spring 2022
No lecture.
Fall 2021
Unvarnished: Civil Rights in Our BackyardsPresented by: Dr. Sarah Doherty, Frank Lippo, Nicholas Hoffman, Dr. Sabrina Robins, and Donna Sack.
Spring 2021
No lecture.
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