DePauw Stories

The 2025 Boswell Symposium once again proved to be a powerful platform for critical dialogue, bringing together scholars, students, and community members to engage in one of the most pressing conversations of our time. This year, organizers were honored to host Dr. Carrie Booth Walling, a distinguished scholar and human rights advocate, whose thought-provoking lecture challenged us to reconsider our collective responsibility to justice, freedom, and dignity.

Dr. Walling, Director of the Human Rights Program at the University of Minnesota, delivered an insightful address on the theme: "Why Should Another Person’s Rights Matter to Me?" This compelling topic pushed attendees to reflect on the interconnectedness of human rights, the moral and legal imperatives of solidarity, and the ways in which safeguarding the rights of others ultimately fortifies our own. Walling stated, “Injustice anywhere creates ripples that weaken justice everywhere.” Her expertise in human rights, transitional justice, and global security enriched the discussion, inspiring attendees to move beyond theory and toward meaningful advocacy. Dr Walling’s lecture called on participants to reshape the way they engage with the world, advocate for equity, and stand in solidarity with others. Change begins in moments like these—but it flourishes in the actions we take afterwards.

The Boswell Symposium, a cornerstone of intellectual engagement at DePauw University, continues to thrive thanks to the generous support of the Hampton and Esther Boswell Endowment, established by Thomas W. Boswell ’66 and Cheryl K. Boswell in honor of Hampton and Esther Boswell. Their dedication to fostering academic excellence ensures that this event remains a lasting legacy—one that challenges us to confront global injustices and shape a more equitable future.

The 2025 event was organized by Dr Jennifer Heaven Mike, the Hampton and Esther Boswell Distinguished University Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Assistant Professor of Law.

Mike said, ‘ I am incredibly proud to carry forward this mission and be part of an event that amplifies critical voices in human rights. I give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Walling for her illuminating keynote, to the Boswell family for their enduring generosity, and to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for your unwavering engagement. These conversations do not end here—they continue in our classrooms, communities, and commitments to justice. Let’s carry these lessons forward and be the change we seek in the world.'