Celebrate the Humanities
at Lake Forest College
Humanities Day, a cherished tradition at Lake Forest College, explores the dynamic connections between the humanities and other disciplines across campus.
This year’s event features engaging faculty discussions, an inspiring alumni panel, and a thought-provoking keynote address by a globally renowned expert in data ethics, AI, and broadening participation in data science.
Humanities Day 2026—the College’s third annual celebration of the humanities—is Monday, February 23.
Founded by Associate Professor of African American Studies and History Courtney Joseph and Associate Professor of French Tessa Sermet, Humanities Day is co-sponsored by the HUMAN project and the Krebs Center for the Humanities at Lake Forest College.
Contact Information
Courtney Joseph
Associate Professor of History and African American Studies
Chair of African American Studies
cpjoseph@lakeforest.edu
NEWS
Beyond “Move Fast and Break Things”: How Human Values Can Rebuild Our Digital Future
Lake Forest College welcomes Dr. Brandeis Marshall, one of the nation’s thought leaders of data ethics.
In our Humanities Day keynote event, data ethics scholar and practitioner Dr. Brandeis Marshall examines how the tech industry’s longstanding “move fast and break things” culture has shaped today’s digital landscape—and what it will take to chart a more humane path forward.
In our Humanities Day keynote event, data ethics scholar and practitioner Dr. Brandeis Marshall examines how the tech industry’s longstanding “move fast and break things” culture has shaped today’s digital landscape—and what it will take to chart a more humane path forward.
Drawing from her work on algorithmic bias, equitable data practices, and humanities-centered critical data literacy, this conversation with Dr. Marshall invites us to reconsider the cultural assumptions embedded in our technologies. The session will feature a brief presentation by Dr. Marshall, a moderated conversation with Krebs Center Executive Director Davis Schneiderman, and a book signing.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Faculty Conversations
9:00 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Pierson Rooms, Mohr Student Center
“Faculty Conversations” celebrate the rich intersections between the humanities and other academic disciplines. During these dynamic, informal discussions, faculty explore the vital role of the humanities in their research and teaching, creating meaningful dialogues that inspire both current and future students.
Session I: 9–9:50 a.m.
- Director and Chair of the Public Policy Program Danielle Cohen and Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics and Co-Chair of Artificial Intelligence Sara Jamshidi: “Navigating Education in the Age of AI”
Session II: 10–10:50 a.m.
- Assistant Professor of Politics and Chair of Legal Studies Stephanie Caparelli and Assistant Professor of African American Studies Aundrey Jones: “Justice and Law In and Out of the Classroom”
Session III: 2–2:50 p.m.
- Associate Professor of History and African American Studies and Chair of African American Studies Courtney Joseph and Associate Professor of Chemistry Erica Schultz: “Reproductive Science, Reproductive Justice”
- K. & H. Montgomery Assistant Professor of Spanish and Chair of Latin American and Latinx Studies Marilén Loyola, Associate Professor of Business Cassondra Batz-Barbarich, and Associate Professor and Chair of Music Scott Edgar: “Cultivating a Culture of Belonging: Self, Work, and Society”
Humanities Alumni Panel
Noon – 12:45 p.m.
Tarble Room, Brown Hall
Lake Forest College alumni will come together for an engaging 45-minute discussion, delving into the impact of a humanities education on the professional journey. Hear fresh insights into how the humanities can shape career exploration and professional success. Panelists will also discuss the future of work through the lens of the liberal arts and consider how the humanities have become even more crucial in an era of generative AI and technological advancement.
Meet our alumni panelists to discover how studying the humanities set them up for their future.
- Conner Castleberry ’20 – Communication and English double major
- Finley Jones ’21 – Music and Spanish double major
- Samantha Kaser ’15 – Psychology and Theater double major
- George Sigaev ’21 – History major
- Zaria Sydnor ’20 – Economics and African American Studies double major
Presented by the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center and the Office of Admissions.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Beyond “Move Fast and Break Things”: How Human Values Can Rebuild Our Digital Future
A conversation and reception with data ethics scholar and practitioner Dr. Brandeis Marshall
Discussion: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Tarble Room, Brown Hall
Data ethics scholar and practitioner Dr. Brandeis Marshall and Davis Schneiderman, Executive Director of the Krebs Center for the Humanities, will enter into a thought-provoking discussion on how the tech industry’s longstanding “move fast and break things” culture has shaped today’s digital landscape—and what it will take to chart a more humane path forward.