September 2024 Dinner Seminar Recap
This year's dinner seminar theme, citizenship, was introduced and deep conversation was facilitated by alum Cyrus Rad '21.
The September Dinner Seminar centered on the theme of citizenship, exploring its significance and relevance to each fellow. The event featured guest speaker Cyrus Rad, class of 2021, who introduced his “Campus Conversations” project, designed to bridge divides on polarizing topics by fostering connection rather than conflict. This initiative addresses the increasing polarization in American society by promoting conversations across differences, which enhance critical thinking, empathy, cultural awareness, and self-awareness.
The seminar highlighted the importance of small group discussions facilitated by trained leaders, where participants could engage meaningfully while respecting community guidelines. Given the current societal tensions around citizenship, the discussion focused on what it means to be an active and engaged member of local and broader communities.
In addition to the seminar’s central conversation, attendees were informed about upcoming trip deadlines and local engagement opportunities. The Caldwell Book Club also announced its latest selection, Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, by Hwang Bo-Reum, a novel centered on personal transformation and human connection—reflecting the seminar’s broader themes of community and personal growth.
