UIS Lunch & Learn Series Continues This Fall

The University of Illinois Springfield Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society will continue their Fall 2025 Lunch & Learn Series with three upcoming programs designed to spark conversation on timely cultural and community topics.

The Oct. 16 program, “Understanding Political Polarization,” will feature A.J. Simmons, research director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership. Simmons will examine the roots of polarization in the United States, including the role of media, social networks, electoral systems and political identity, while offering ideas on how divisions might be bridged. Doors open at 11 a.m. at Illini Country Club, with a buffet at 11:30 a.m. and the program beginning at noon. Cost is $50, which includes lunch, parking and a gift to UIS.

On Nov. 7, Deborah Brothers, award-winning English faculty member at Lincoln Land Community College, will present “Book Bans and Cultural Tensions.” The talk will focus on the resurgence of book bans in the United States, particularly in children’s literature, exploring what themes are being challenged and the cultural and political forces behind them. The event follows the same format and cost as the October program.

The series will conclude Dec. 3 with “The Grant Conservatory for Music and Dance,” presented by Taryn Grant, founding executive director of the Springfield Youth Performance Group. Grant will highlight the transformation of the former Elliott Avenue Baptist Church into a performing arts space that now houses the Springfield Youth Ballet Company and Illinois Symphony ensembles. The event will also be held at Illini Country Club with doors opening at 11 a.m., buffet at 11:30 a.m., and program at noon. Cost is $50.

Participants may register online at go.uis.edu/LLfall25. Registration closes one week before each event.