Story and photo by Kelly Stenka
The Doane University English Department and The New Xanadu hosted the annual Lucille Cobb Memorial Lecture on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. The memorable evening kicked off with dinner and conversation and welcomed this year’s distinguished speaker, poet and translator Sony Ton-Aime.
Ton-Aime took to the podium for an inspiring lecture titled "How the Humanities Can Thrive in a Time of Chaos." His talk emphasized the vital role of the humanities, particularly English literature, in higher education and society. Addressing the challenges within the education system, he argued that humanities graduates are uniquely equipped to tackle these issues. He highlighted that critical thinking, empathy, and storytelling are essential tools for fostering a fulfilling and productive society.
One powerful example he shared was an initiative in Pittsburgh, where 800 people participated in a community-wide reading and discussion on mental health. This project not only increased community engagement but also strengthened empathy among participants, illustrating how literature and shared storytelling can bridge gaps in understanding.
Following the lecture, there was time for discussion with Ton-Aime, faculty, students, staff, and university stakeholders. Brad Johnson, professor of English, reflected on Ton-Aime’s message: "Sony Ton-Aime talked about the tradition of public, in-person, informal storytelling and debate that would engage Haitian people in the issues of the day. In the divisive climate of the United States, we have forgotten how to talk to each other and to use the empathy generated by storytelling to find common ground."
Phil Weitl, chair of the English department, reinforced this sentiment: "Authority and leadership are not the same thing. If we want to build leaders, then we must recognize that the Humanities matter, now more than ever. Leadership is a complex human enterprise."
The Lucille Cobb Memorial Lecture is the premier event for English majors and minors at Doane, offering an enriching experience highlighting the power and relevance of the humanities. These opportunities for students, faculty, and staff serve as a testament to the purpose of a liberal arts education—fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and honing critical thinking skills to address complex global challenges.
Watch and listen to Sony Ton-Aime’s presentation here.
