Emeritus Professor James Mannon to Deliver 'Last Lecture' March 7

February 28, 2002

February 28, 2002, Greencastle, Ind. - James M. Mannon, professor emeritus of sociology at DePauw University, will deliver the initial "Last Lecture," Thursday, March 7, 2002 at 7 p.m. in Meharry Hall of historic East College. Dr. Mannon's topic will be "Challenges of Modern Life."

The Religious Life Center is sponsoring the Last Lecture Series. According to Wes Allen, dean of the chapel and part-time assistant professor in University studies, "The idea of the series is to invite a faculty member to imagine lecturing for the very last time in public. What would she or he say? They may choose to speak from within their discipline or to ruminate about any range of life issues. They may focus their lecture specifically to the DePauw community or orient it toward a broader audience."  

James Mannon joined the DePauw faculty in 1975 and received the Frederick C. Tucker Distinguished Career Award upon his retirement last May. The annual award recognizes the achievements of senior faculty members who have made notable contributions to the University through their commitments to students, teaching excellence, their chosen disciplines and University service. (See video of Dr. Mannon being recognized at commencement, May 19, 2001: [DOWNLOAD VIDEO: "James M. Mannon" 241KB] [DOWNLOAD AUDIO: "James M. Mannon" 126KB])

Prior to coming to DePauw, Mannon taught at Millikin University, Monmouth College and Southern Illinois University. He earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in sociology from Southern Illinois University. His writings include the books American Gridmark: Why You Always Suspected Measuring Up Doesn't Count, Caring for the Burned: Life and Death in a Hospital Burn Center and Emergency Encounters: A Study of an Urban Ambulance Service.

Following the Last Lecture, there will be a reception in honor of Dr. Mannon in the faculty lounge of East College (Room 112). The event is free and open to the public.

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