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Common Destinies: Performance, lecture and art events

"…those best results of civilization upon which depend the finer and freer aspects of living must be incorporated into our common life…if we would have democracy endure.” – Jane Addams

"Common Destinies” is the umbrella that houses all of the diverse cultural offerings of the college. The speakers, artists, scholars, dedicated citizens and performers who are our guests on campus throughout the academic year are role models for our community.

Events in the "Common Destinies” series include exhibits and lectures from the Art Gallery, the Forum Series, and the Performing Arts line-up of plays and musicals. These events invite all members of the Rockford Community of Learning to share the fun of the liberal arts together.

Reflecting the variety and scope of programming, such noted speakers as Dr. James Orbinski of Doctors Without Borders, South Africa’s Naomi Tutu, Pakistan’s former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and Arun Gandhi, grandson of spiritual leader Mohandas "Mahatma” Ghandi, all have visited the campus. Other offerings have included a slide lecture by world famous installation artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, a vocal recital by Jubilant Sykes, and a lecture by Oscar Arias, Nobel Laureate and former president of Costa Rica.