Events

Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series: Lisa Sarnoff Gochman
2025-10-08 14:45 - 16:15 (America/New_York) | Pozycki Hall, Room 115
Thanks to a generous donation, Dean David Golland is pleased to announce the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series will invite authors to speak to groups of students, staff, faculty and administrators.
In conjunction with Monmouth University’s Constitution Day, we are pleased to welcome Lisa Sarnoff Gochman, retired career appellate prosecutor and author, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 2:45 p.m. in Pozycki Hall Auditorium (PZ115). Gochman’s memoir, “At the Altar of the Appellate Gods: Arguing before the Supreme Court”, details her experience arguing the landmark criminal sentencing case, Apprendi v. New Jersey, before the United States Supreme Court. Read the unofficial bonus chapter of Gochman’s memoir.

Climate Change and Mental Health: Fostering Hope and Connection
2025-10-08 18:00 | Edison Atrium – Room 201
Part of the Climate Crisis Teach-In 2025
This presentation explores the growing mental health impacts of climate change, with a focus on community-level strategies that promote resilience, hope, and collective agency. Drawing on emerging research and best practices, it highlights how climate anxiety and ecological grief—particularly among Gen Z—are shaped by systemic inequities, uncertainty, and disruption. The session emphasizes the importance of intergenerational dialogue, mutual aid, and relational care in fostering emotional support and wellbeing. Participants will be introduced to tools, resources, and evidence-informed approaches for creating communities of care where climate-related emotions are validated and shared. Together, we will envision how interdisciplinary groups and diverse professionals can build climate-responsive mental health systems grounded in justice, connection, and collective action.
Rachel Forbes, MSW (’11M), is the community outreach and engagement specialist at the Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University. Forbes’s current research and teaching examines the impacts of climate change on mental health and protective factors at the community level. Her work has been published in environmental justice and human rights journals, and has been funded by the CSWE Katherine A. Kendall Institute for International Social Work and the Hispanic Access Foundation. She is editor of the award winning book “Ecosocial Work: Environmental Practice and Advocacy” (NASW Press 2023).

2025 Future of the Ocean Symposium and Champion of the Ocean Awards: Exploring the Wine-Dark Sea
2025-10-09 10:00 - 14:00 | The Great Hall
he Urban Coast Institute’s (UCI) signature annual event will be return on Thursday, October 9, to Monmouth University’s historic Great Hall. The theme of this year’s Future of the Ocean Symposium will be “Exploring the Wine-Dark Sea – U.S. Ocean Science and Technology: Keys to Prosperity and Security.”
This year we’ll also be celebrating the UCI’s 20th anniversary. Come and help us set sail to serve the University and our communities for the next two decades!

Egg Tempera and Silverpoint Class: Using Early Renaissance Techniques Today
2025-10-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Pollak Gallery
Class Schedule: Saturday, October 11 | 2 – 5:00 PM

Artist Eileen Kennedy will introduce the early Renaissance techniques of silverpoint and egg tempera, media in most prominent use prior to 1450. After a brief slide lecture about historical and contemporary artists using these materials (i.e. Botticelli and Wyeth), the artist will discuss the materials used to make panels for silverpoint and egg tempera and demonstrate how to make and apply tempera paint. Participants will have the remainder of the workshop to create a still life drawing in silverpoint. Still life objects, paper, and silverpoint styli will be available for use. Kennedy’s own works in silverpoint and egg tempera will be on view in the gallery.
This class will be held in Room 135 in the Pollak Gallery.

The Stephen B. Siegel Lecture Series: The Opportunities and Challenges of Sustainable Development along New Jersey’s Coast
2025-10-21 17:00 | The Great Hall Auditorium
Presented by the Kislak Real Estate Institute at Monmouth University and in partnership with the Urban Coast Institute.
Light Refreshments: 5 p.m.
Lecture: 6 p.m.
Admission is free, but seating is limited: we suggest registering your attendance.

Chrystin Ondersma: "Dignity Not Debt"
2025-10-29 15:00 - 16:30
Rutgers Law School professor Chrystin Ondersma is giving a presentation on her new book “Dignity Not Debt” on Wednesday, October 29, sponsored by the Greenbaum/Ferguson/NJAR Endowed Chair in Real Estate, the Monmouth University Debate Team, and the Monmouth University Pre-Law Club.
Food and drinks available before the presentation outside Pozycki Hall 115. Presentation starts at 3 p.m. and will end by 4:15 p.m. No need to RSVP.
