Critical Engagements, in partnership with the Creative Writing program at Central Michigan University, invites you to join us for a book talk and interview with Rhonda Welsh, Executive Director of Detroit Outreach at CMU and the author of the new novel Pearl (2026). Free and open to the public.

The CMU Honors Progam will host guided tours of Mount Pleasant for its annual “City as Text: Exploring Mount Pleasant” event on September 11, 2026. The tour starts from Powers Hall at 2:00 p.m. and will be led by CMU faculty. It features local business visits as well as talks and discussion about Mount Pleasant history, culture, politics, and architecture.

Please join us in Anspach 161 on Friday, April 24, at 3:00 p.m. for an exclusive pre-screening of Cedric Taylor's new film, A Benton Harbor Story" This is the kickoff event for Critical Engagements 2026–2027, when we'll announce our new theme for next year: "The American City: Detroit and Beyond."

A Benton Harbor Story examines how racism, infrastructural decline, and the erosion of democracy converged to produce a water crisis—and how a poor, majority-Black community fought to save itself.

Though the Flint water crisis lingers in recent memory, Benton Harbor has its own story to tell. Many Americans see cities like Benton Harbor through the lens of the past, but its story may foretell an unsettling future for the rest of us.

Come and join us to play games from all over the world !

Tuesday, April 14, 5–7 p.m.

Pearce 303 and 304

In a world where we can message anyone instantly, why do so many people still struggle to feel truly connected? Many of us crave deeper connection but aren’t always sure how to build it. Communication research shows that small, everyday interaction habits can play a powerful role in strengthening relationships and increasing our happiness.

Communication faculty member Dr. Kirsten Weber will present “Ten Steps to Creating Connections and Decreasing Loneliness,” a talk focused on practical, actionable strategies for fostering stronger relationships. The presentation highlights simple communication practices people can use in daily life to create more meaningful connections, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve their well-being.

Time: April 8, 2026, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Place: French Auditorium

Dr. Weber’s presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. The Creating Connections Fair, featuring tables, posters, and information from student offices and volunteer organizations from across our campus and community, will begin at 6:00 p.m. and continue after the talk.

Explore the role that board and video games have played throughout history, revealing the immense impact they have had on Life from the ancient past to modernity. Come learn about and experience the amazing new games created by students from Museum Studies and the Center for Learning through Games & Simulations!

March 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m., at the Broadway Theatre, Mount Pleasant.

Free and open to the public.

The film will be followed by a panel and audience discussion featuring CMU faculty members.

March 4, 6:00 p.m., at the Park Library Auditorium

The film will be followed by a panel and audience discussion featuring CMU faculty members.

Central Michigan University and the Department of Military Science & Leadership proudly present the Annual Nolde Lecture Series.

The Nolde Lecture Series honors COL William Nolde, a former Central Michigan University cadre member and the last American casualty of the Vietnam War. Established in his memory, the series encourages reflection and dialogue on leadership, service, sacrifice, and the enduring human dimensions of military service.

This year’s lecture will feature the award-winning documentary No Greater Love, with special guest speakers COL Edward Bankston and SGM Daniel Byerly, two of the soldiers featured in the film. No Greater Love explores a combat deployment through the eyes of an Army chaplain as he and his men serve in one of the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan and the challenges they face as they struggle to reintegrate into life back home.

Event Details 
What: Nolde Lecture Series 
When: January 29 at 3:00 p.m. 
Where: Broadway Theatre, Downtown Mount Pleasant

The Central Michigan University community is invited to attend.

For a link to the movie trailer and a more in-depth synopsis please go to https://nogreaterlovemovie.com/

January 24, 2026, 7:00 p.m., at the Broadway Theatre, Mount Pleasant.

Free and open to the public.

The film will be followed by a panel and audience discussion featuring CMU faculty members.

November 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m., at the Broadway Theatre, Mount Pleasant.

Free and open to the public.

The film will be followed by a panel and audience discussion featuring CMU faculty members.

Fight loneliness. Build connections. Pitch your solution. Join the Spark Challenge!

90 seconds One Pitch. Big Impact. Got a side hustle, startup, or sketch on a napkin? Take it to the stage. 90 seconds is all you need to spark something big. Register for the Spark Challenge. Food and Prizes included!

• Impact Path = Every superhero solves a problem. Take on the challenge of addressing loneliness on campus.

• Venture Path = Dreaming of your own startup? Put your vision together and take the first step toward entrepreneurship!

CMU students from ALL disciplines are welcome to participate.

All students participating must submit an entry form by 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, November 6. If collaborating as a team, each team member must fill out a registration form.

We invite you and your student organization to a special conversation with Dr. Denise Williams Mallett, vice chair of the CMU Board of Trustees, and author of 
The Village Effect: Leadership, Faith, and the Power of Community.

Mount Pleasant – Park Library, Baber Room

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

7:00PM



This event will feature an author reflection, selected reading from The Village Effect, and a fireside chat with CMU President Neil MacKinnon. A proud CMU trustee, thought leader, and educator, Dr. Mallett will share her personal and professional journey, from navigating leadership transitions to building a meaningful legacy rooted in faith. 

This event is free and has limited seating, and each attendee is required to complete a registration form.  Reserve your seat today and be part of the conversation shaping the next generation of purpose-driven leadership. 

RSVP by September 12, 2025 for the Mount Pleasant event

Let’s come together to honor the power of the village — past, present, and future.

September 13, 2025, 6:00 p.m., at the Broadway Theatre, Mount Pleasant.

Free and open to the public.

The film will be followed by a panel and audience discussion featuring CMU faculty members.

Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room, or longed for a friend who really understands you? To be human is to struggle with the balance of friendship, loneliness, and the pursuit of happiness. Many are surprised to learn that in a hyper-connected world, loneliness has been deemed a public health epidemic. This talk will explore the science behind these topics, including your current levels of loneliness and social support as well as the importance of finding reciprocal friendships through leisure social structures.

Dr. Shay Dawson, CMU professor in Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services Administration, is a nationally recognized researcher and award-winning teacher with expertise in disability studies, therapeutic interventions, and the science of happiness, among other fields. At CMU he created and regularly teaches RPL 101, “The Pursuit of Happiness.” In 2024 he was named MASU Distinguished Professor of the Year, a statewide award conferred by the Michigan Association of State Universities.

November 11, 2024, 6:00 p.m., at the Opperman Auditorium, Park Library, Central Michigan University. The film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring CMU faculty members Christi Brookes, Matt Katz, Heather Kendrick, and Gregory Smith.

March 15, 2024, 6:00 p.m., at the Broadway Theatre, Mount Pleasant