Elmhurst University’s acclaimed public lecture series, known as the Cultural Season, will feature a variety of compelling speakers this fall, from three of Chicago’s best-known chefs to the first woman president of the Catholic Theological Union.

As the University celebrates its most ambitious fundraising campaign in institutional history, this year’s Cultural Season theme—The Legacy We Leave: Doing Well, Doing Good, Investing in the Future—highlights philanthropic impact and building a culture of generosity and hope.

For this year’s Roland Quest Lecture, the University will present “Chicago Dish: A Chefs Roundtable,” bringing together three of Chicago’s most internationally acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs—Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard and Beverly Kim—for a lively discussion about creativity, challenge, and using their seat at the table to advocate for others. The event will be moderated by veteran food and culture reporter Monica Eng, and will be followed by a book signing by all three chefs. Sponsored in part by Chicago magazine. Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:00 p.m., Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel. General admission is $20; free for Elmhurst U. students, faculty, staff and alumni.

This fall, Elmhurst University also will offer a number of thought-provoking, often inspirational intercultural and religious lectures, including:

• The César Chavéz Intercultural Lecture “There is No Line: Demystifying Our Complex Immigration System” with Nubia Willman, first deputy for community engagement in Chicago’s Office of the Mayor and director of the Office of New Americans. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 4:00 p.m., Frick Center, Founders Lounge. Admission is free

• “Is Democracy Worth Saving?” with Elmhurst University faculty members Katrina Sifferd, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy; Timothy Hazen, assistant professor of political science; and Inamul Haq, coordinator of the Islamic Studies Program. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 4:00 p.m., Frick Center, Prospect Room. Admission is free
• “Out and Faithful: A Multifaith Celebration of Queer Spirituality and a Call to Advocacy,” to honor the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Elmhurst alumnus William R. Johnson, the first openly gay person to be ordained to the Christian ministry. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7:00 p.m., Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, Admission is free
• The William R. Johnson Intercultural Lecture “From Stonewall to the White House: Media as a Weapon for Change” with Mark Segal, a journalist, author and founder of the Philadelphia Gay News. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 4:00 p.m., Frick Center, Founders Lounge. Admission is free

• The Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Lecture with Sister Barbara Reid, first woman president of Catholic Theological Union. Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7:00 p.m., Frick Center, Founders Lounge. Admission is free
• “Everything is Interfaith Now, Even at Elmhurst” with ­­­Rachel Mikva, Herman E. Schaalman Professor in Jewish Studies at Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS); and CTS President Brad Braxton, Thursday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Frick Center, Founders Lounge. Admission is free
• “American Like Me,” an author visit with award-winning Sicangu Lakota Hip Hop artist and music producer Frank Waln, who contributed to the book American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures. Presented with the Elmhurst Public Library and Friends of the Elmhurst Public Library. Monday, Nov. 28, 7:00 p.m., Frick Center, Founders Lounge. Admission is free but registration is required, at elmlib.org/OneBook

Tickets and more information about our speakers are available on the Cultural Season website.

All lectures are free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Questions? Email [email protected].