John Hallwas Liberal Arts Lecture

Western Illinois University will celebrate its 22nd anniversary of the annual John Hallwas Liberal Arts Lecture. This year, former WIU Provost and President Emeritus of Kutztown University Kenneth Hawkinson will present on "You CAN Go Home Again: Knowledge from the Past as a Foundation for the Future". Hawkinson will speak about how knowledge from the past can serve as a foundation for the future. The lecture series began in 2003 after WIU's College of Arts and Sciences initiated an effort to slow the decline in public interest related to broader education and concerns about the negative impact on democracy and social commitment. Since the initiative began, many WIU faculty have delivered impactful lectures. Hawkinson spent 27 years at WIU, where he served as a faculty member, department chair and provost and associate vice president of academic affairs. During his time on faculty, he served as a leader of both the Faculty Senate and the Faculty Union. He has published numerous articles and dozens of professional papers. His research will dive into creative pursuits, including storytelling, oral tradition and performance literature. Hawkinson served as the 12th president of Kutztown University from July 2015 to July 2025, where he retired. He was recently awarded the President Emeritus status by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Following the lecture, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of Hawkinson, as well as enjoy light refreshments. The event is open to the public. If you're unable to make the in-person event, the lecture will be on WIU's YouTube channel.