The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum Features Literature, Culture, Music, and Wine

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will offer Collaborate Programs featuring fascinating topics in the areas of literature, culture, music and wine education during the spring semester.

This spring, The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will offer Collaborate Programs featuring fascinating topics in the areas of literature, culture, music and wine education. Presenters include, from left: Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director of Weill Cornell Music and Medicine; wine writer David Falchek; George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library; Virgina Picchietti, Ph.D., professor of Italian at Scranton; and Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theatre at Scranton.

On Monday, March 31, the Schemel Forum will partner with Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library for an evening celebrating the legacy of Umberto Eco with the premiere of “Umberto Eco: A Library of the World.”

This engaging documentary explores Eco’s life as a scholar, novelist and philosopher, highlighting his insatiable curiosity and deep connection to libraries. Following the screening, a panel of University of Scranton faculty members will delve into Eco’s influence on literature, philosophy and culture, examining his interdisciplinary approach and the enduring relevance of his work in a rapidly changing world. Panelists will be George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, Virgina Picchietti, Ph.D., professor of Italian, and Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and Theatre.

The event, which will begin at 6 p.m. in Brennan Hall Pearn Auditorium, is free and open to the public.

On Thursday, April 10, the Schemel Forum and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) will present the concert lecture “Schumann: Music, Mood Swings & Madness.” Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director of Weill Cornell Music and Medicine, will discuss how creative artists are especially vulnerable to mental illness. The German composer Robert Schumann is one of the finest examples of the blurred boundary between genius and insanity. Dr. Kogan will explore how the racing thoughts, flight of ideas and sharpened imagination of Schumann’s hypomanic states induced prodigious bursts of creativity until the onset of psychosis led to his tragic final years in an insane asylum.

 The event will begin at 6 p.m. at GCSOM, 525 Pine St., Scranton. Admission to the event, which includes a reception, is $40 for the general public. The event is free for Schemel Forum members and University of Scranton and GCSOM employees and students.

On Friday, June 6, the Schemel Forum will pilot a new program, “Vinho and Views: Exploring Portugal’s Wine Heritage.” This hands-on wine education event will feature a four-course wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, a presentation on Portuguese wines, and an interactive discussion led by wine writer David Falchek.

Participants will discover the rich history and vibrant flavors of Portugal’s wine and will explore the unique challenges of indigenous grape varieties, the connection between Madeira and the Founding Fathers, and how the Portuguese celebrate their wines.

Falchek has been published in Beverage Media, Vineyard and Winery Management and others, and writes a drinks column for The Scranton Times. He is the former executive director of the American Wine Society.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. in Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

The cost for the wine tasting, hors d’oeuvre and lecture is $60 per person, $100 per couple for non-Schemel Forum members. There is no additional fee for Schemel Forum Members, Angels, and Archangels to attend this event. University of Scranton and GCSOM students, staff, and faculty must purchase tickets for this event and participants must be 21 years or older.

For additional information or registration information, contact Rose Merritt at 570-941-4740 or rose.merritt@scranton.edu

Additional Schemel Forum events can be found on the Schemel Forum’s webpage.