The 37th season of the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will feature three mainstage speakers, as well as a short film showcase and Ignite Lincoln event.
The 2025-26 season is organized around the theme “Belonging: Finding Connection in a Lonely World” and will explore the rising public health challenges of loneliness and isolation, highlighting the vital role of social connection in enhancing the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The season is co-sponsored by the Lincoln Community Foundation.
The season opens Sept. 18 with a Cooper Conversation in the Nebraska Union’s Swanson Auditorium, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event includes the screening and discussion of five-minute films from the World Health Organization’s Social Connection Series, featuring stories of people making connections around the world. Popcorn and beverages will be served. Additional Cooper Conversations are scheduled for Oct. 1 and Nov. 6.
Other events in the series include:
- Dr. Vivek Murthy, Oct. 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lied Center for Performing Arts: Murthy was the 19th and 21st surgeon general of the United States and author of “Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World.” “A Conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy” will be moderated by Dr. Dele Davies, interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
- Orly Israel, Nov. 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Nebraska Union’s Swanson Auditorium: Israel is a communication strategist, creator of The Listening Table and vice president of Warmline.org, teaching communication skills to foster authentic human connection. Israel will deliver workshops to groups of up to 20 people, plus a public event, “Belonging is a Practice, Not a Place.” To request a workshop for one’s class or group, contact Rebecca Baskerville at rbaskerville7@unl.edu.
- Ignite Lincoln, Feb. 17, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Rococo Theater: Local individuals and nonprofit organizations will share ideas and stories to spark imagination, inspire, educate and build a better community. This ticketed event is presented by the Foundry and the Firespring Foundation, with the Thompson Forum as the presenting sponsor. Apply to speak by Nov. 1.
- Shaylyn Romney Garrett, March 31, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lied Center: Garrett is a social entrepreneur and coauthor of “The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again” with Robert D. Putnam. The award-winning book offers an evidence-based roadmap for how to reweave the country’s tattered social fabric.
Tickets for Murthy and Garrett will be available through the Lied Center here, 402-472-4747 or by visiting the Lied’s box office, 301 N. 12th St. The free events are general admission, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
The E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues is a cooperative project of the Cooper Foundation, Lied Center and University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The series was established in 1988 with the purpose of bringing a diversity of viewpoints on international and public policy issues to the university and people of Nebraska to promote understanding and encourage discussion. Learn more.
