Lewis Honors College introduces ‘Ideas that Matter’ program series
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2025) — This fall, the Lewis Honors College (LHC) launches its “Ideas that Matter” series, a program connecting students with leading scholars, innovators and changemakers on issues shaping today’s world — from free speech and artificial intelligence to nonprofit innovation.
LHC Director of College Life Libby Hannon, who initiated the series, said the goal is to spark lively dialogue.
“The ‘Ideas that Matter’ discussions combine intellectually engaging questions with interactive conversations and allow our students to speak with some of the most forward-thinking scholars, changemakers and entrepreneurs from Lexington and beyond,” Hannon said.
The series begins Sept. 18 with University Research Professor Neal Hutchens, Ph.D., who will explore the historical and legal background of free speech and academic freedom in campus life. His talk, 5-6 p.m. in the Lewis Scholars Lounge, will conclude with an interactive Q&A.
“I’m especially looking forward to the conversation part of the evening, where we engage in and model the kind of vibrant back-and-forth that is crucial to maintaining systems of free speech and academic freedom,” Hutchens said.
On Oct. 6, Lewis Lecturer Sherelle Roberts, Ph.D., will moderate a panel of experts on artificial intelligence as they discuss “The Future of Earth and AI,” including the current and potential impacts of artificial intelligence on the future of work, the economy and the environment.
“Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives. Some even believe AI will transform our world as dramatically as the Industrial Revolution,” Roberts said. “This event will get our students thinking critically about our possible AI-driven future, while also having some fun.”
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with movie snacks and will transition into the panel discussion at 6 p.m., featuring faculty and staff from a variety of disciplines. The movie, an animated film that conceptualizes our AI-powered future, will begin at 7 p.m.
The final event of the semester on Nov. 11, will spotlight local nonprofit Operation Secret Santa (OSS), 5-6 p.m. in the Lewis Scholars Lounge. Founder Katie Keys and honors program alum Lucy Jett Waterbury will share the story of OSS’s creation in 2016 and its growing impact on the community.
“Operation Secret Santa is built on the belief that no child should face barriers to feeling loved and celebrated,” said Keys. “We meet families where they are, right at their doorsteps, bringing not only gifts and food, but the reminder that their village sees them and cares.”
“From (Katie’s) big heart, she has built a big, yet lean and efficient, nonprofit that has one very simple goal, to bring joy to Kentucky kids at Christmas time,” Waterbury said.
Through this series, LHC offers students a chance to engage with pressing issues, broaden their perspectives and learn directly from those making a difference.