When Dr. George Harne presents, it’s as if the room lights up. That’s what happens when a lecturer’s ideas and arguments genuinely stimulate the listeners’ thoughts and spark discussion. Harne is the executive dean of Arts & Sciences for University of St. Thomas-Houston. You will want to hear him at the next USTMAX Center Luminary Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 30. His talk at UST's micro-campus in downtown Conroe is titled “Liberal Education Leads to Lives of Human Flourishing.”

Harne said, “In the frantic pace of our times, the days, months, and years slip away while the things that are the conditions of our humanity and flourishing erode. But it need not be this way. The Catholic intellectual and spiritual traditions contain the resources and examples that we need to recover and rebuild. Josef Pieper and others lead the way. This presentation and conversation will be eminently practical: ‘How can we have better lives and help those closest to us live better lives as well? Teachers and parents play a special role.’”

While preparing to attend the lecture is not necessary, a short essay titled “Work, Spare Time, and Leisure” by Josef Pieper will be made available to anyone who would like to read it beforehand.

All are welcome to attend, and educators are especially encouraged to be there. Register here by Sept 27.

“Our Luminary Lectures always enlighten and inspire our guests,” said Dr. Carla E. Alsandor, senior director of the USTMAX Center. “I am pleased to offer this special opportunity to our community members, because Dr. Harne’s presentation promises to do that and more.”

Dr. Harne contributed to “The Love of Learning: Seven Dialogues on the Liberal Arts” by Margarita A. Mooney. It’s a book of discussions about “how the liberal education can make each of us more fully human.”

To obtain more information about upcoming USTMAX events and how the Conroe micro-campus complements that community, go here.