Shippensburg University political science professor Alison Dagnes spoke at the Cora I. Grove Spiritual Center Chapel at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 as part of “The Final Lecture Series,” which allows speakers to give a lecture as if it is their last one.
Dagnes delivered a message about making the world a better place. She encouraged everyone to do something nice for another person, to do something outside his or her comfort zone and to let go of anger.
“In an election year where the rhetoric is so mean and so personal, it’s good to think about the world around us and make decisions that way,” Dagnes said, explaining why she chose to speak about the issue.
“We should see the world as a big, new place, not just an extension of ourselves,” Dagnes said. She said people should listen to others, even if viewpoints differ, because it is the best way to learn. Dagnes quoted Thomas Huxley: “Try to learn everything about something and something about everything.”
Dagnes mentioned the movie “Maleficent,” which is the back story of the antagonist in “Sleeping Beauty.” When she saw the movie, she said she felt sympathy for Maleficent. She said hearing a person’s history can give you more understanding for the way they are today.
She provided specific examples of how one may go about making positive life changes. These included taking risks, being nice to others, being nice to yourself and doing a good deed without posting it on Facebook.
Dagnes let her personality shine through the entire speech. She used examples from her own life, including stories about her past experiences and family. She cried “happy tears” when she spoke of the love she has for her students and her work as a professor.
“What Dr. Dagnes said puts my life in perspective. I’m often too quick to judge,” said SU student Cheyenne Crecion. “I should look at what I can do for others, not just what others can do for me.”
The Rev. Jan Bye, SU’s campus minister, introduced Dagnes. Students and faculty who attended were given the opportunity to make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in honor of Dagnes.
Dagnes ended the speech with: “I wish everyone a genuine life because that is what matters most in this world.”
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.