Thursday Evening Speaker Series

  • Navigating Social Media

    Navigating Social Media

    Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm

    It’s easy to dismiss social media as a teenage trend, but the data indicates otherwise. In fact, social media use crosses generations, and has become a critical means of communication for businesses as well as individuals. Allison Balowski is a co-founder of Project 2 Detroit and uses social media as part of her business for community outreach and engagement. This lecture will walk the audience through the basics of social media, what the different platforms can be used for, and how millions of Americans use these applications to communicate, advertise, and connect. 

  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

    Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

    Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Katie Lambeth, EGLE Executive Office The Michigan agency that is tasked with protecting our environment and waterways also works with multiple Indian tribes, who were stewards of this land and these waters long before European settlers arrived. Come and learn about the ways that EGLE works to preserve our precious ecosystems, and how they collaborate with various tribes from Katie Lambeth, EGLE Tribal Liaison, Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator, and Language Access Coordinator. This lecture will also increase understanding of the vital role that agencies play in state governance, and why it is critical to preserve both our agencies and our environment. This presentation is generously sponsored by American House Stone.

  • Myanmar Explained

    Myanmar Explained

    Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm

    Fr. Piero Masolo, former missionary to Myanmar Fr. Piero Masolo traveled from his home country of Italy to serve the people of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, who suffer the effects of longstanding political unrest. Currently classified as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” destination, the inner workings of Myanmar remain a mystery to the outside world. Come and hear an insider’s view and experience of this beautiful and perilous country. 

  • Rosie the Riveter: Honoring the Heroes of World War II

    Rosie the Riveter: Honoring the Heroes of World War II

    Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Jeannette Gutierrez, Michigan Rosies

    Jeanette Gutierrez is the founder of the proudly independent and Michigan-based, Michigan Rosies (Rosie the Riveter Association of Michigan), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the Rosie the Riveters of WWII, and preserving their legacy in Michigan. Come and hear Jeannette's fascinating story finding and recognizing women of Michigan who stepped into the factories during World War II, and played an instrumental role in winning the war. This presentation is generously sponsored by American House Stone.

  • An in Depth Look at the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness

    An in Depth Look at the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness

    Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Brenda Lanker, Director of Community Outreach On August 9, 2025 the Kirk Gibson Center opened its doors to usher in a new wave of Parkinson’s wellness. With state-ofthe-art facilities, and thoughtful programs based on the latest research in Parkinson’s Disease, the Kirk Gibson Center offers custom tailored strategies to each of its members. Come and learn about the cutting-edge research that is being done to support Parkinson’s wellness, and hear how the Center and programming are already changing lives! This presentation is generously sponsored by American House Stone.

  • The Collapse

    The Collapse

    Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Gus Mondalek

    What do so many ancient societies, from Rome to the Aztecs and Mayans, to the Qing dynasty have in common? Today, they are reduced to ruins that travelers visit as tourism destinations. What happened to these highly successful and advanced societies? What was behind the iconic Bronze Age collapse? And what are the implications for the modern world that we are living in? Come and explore the answers to these questions with renowned international affairs lecturer Gus Mondalek. This presentation is generously sponsored by American House Stone

  • Journey to the Amazon

    Journey to the Amazon

    Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Jill Pavlat

    Join experienced adventure traveler Jill Pavlat on a photo journey through the Amazon waterways and jungles of Peru. Jill’s once-in-a-lifetime travels will amaze and inspire as she tells her story of reaching corners of the globe that are truly off of the beaten path. As climate change threatens to change life on Earth, these green “lungs of the planet” play an ever-increasing role of importance. Come and see them as never before.

  • Russia’s War with Ukraine

    Russia's War with Ukraine

    Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm

    Aaron Retish, Professor of Russian and Soviet History at Wayne State University

    A political and social enigma, Russia remains a mystery in so many ways. Come to Next to gain a rare understanding of this world superpower with Professor Aaron Retish, who is an author or editor of four books on 20th century Russia, and has published several articles on the Russian Revolution. This complex and mysterious country launched a war on Ukraine in February of 2022, and the conflict continues to this day. This lecture will offer an informed breakdown of Russian society, politics, economics, and conflict strategy