The Clocktower

Kavadlo Delivers First ‘Last Lecture’

October 2010

Make your dreams real and live a life of meaning – that was the advice imparted by Jesse Kavadlo, PhD, associate professor of English, during Maryville’s first “Last Lecture” presentation. He spoke on “Songs, Stories, and the Meaning of Life.”

Kavadlo explored how our songs and stories help us to understand ourselves. He described his childhood dreams and discussed how he achieved them. Stories and music play a big part in his life and are intertwined; he also played his guitar and sang songs he has written. Through teaching and writing, Kavadlo said, he is living out his dreams.

A lecture given by the late Randy Pausch, professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has been viewed more than 12 million times on YouTube.com. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had only a few months left to live when he delivered a speech titled, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” His lecture has inspired schools across the country to offer talks of a similar nature.

Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) sponsored the lecture series at Maryville. Going forward, students, faculty and staff will choose professors or staff members to give a lecture as if it were their last chance to impart such wisdom. The only consideration for the lecture topic is that the speaker focus on what they want students to hear most.

Kaylee Yates, president of ODK, said, “The faculty, staff and student relationships are much more personal at Maryville. Students develop good relationships with faculty and staff members, and they will be eager to hear what they have to say.”

Article by Erica Virgin, senior, graphic design

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