Campus News

Media Contact: Director of Communications Rita Elliott, 815-226-3374

Rockford, Ill., – Assistant Professor of Biology Sean Beckmann, Ph.D. will present the ‘Last Lecture’ on April 25, 3 p.m. in Fisher Memorial Chapel, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. The lecture is part of the spring Forum series at the University. This opportunity will give Professor Beckmann a chance to reflect on life as if this was going to be his last message before passing.

The Last Lecture is based on a concept developed by Carnegie Mellon University professor Randy Pausch who delivered the talk “The Last Lecture: A Celebration of Life” on facing terminal pancreatic cancer.

Professor Beckmann was chosen based on nominations from students. His talk is titled “Life Lessons: What studying biology can actually teach you about life”. Professor Beckmann joined the department of Chemical and Biological Sciences in 2011 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Stetson University (DeLand, FL). In the following years he received training in a number of areas of biological research, as well as veterinary medicine, before beginning graduate school. He holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Miami with focuses in molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, and population genetics.

The Last Lecture is sponsored by the University’s Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE) and is free and open to the public, however, tickets are required. Please contact the Rockford University Box Office at 815-226-4100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu to reserve your tickets or for more information. Fisher Chapel is accessible.