Washington State University campus programs share ways to get involved firsthand in the common reading virtual lecture at 6:00 pm Tuesday night by Braiding Sweetgrass author Robin Wall Kimmerer. The lecture, entitled, “What does the earth ask of us?”, is free and open to the public.
Visit the general reading webpage to learn how to join the virtual reading, ask an advance question for the author, find details about viewing parties, and more.
Afternoon feast
Dining Services is offering a special lunch menu inspired by the book on Tuesday at all three Pullman campus cafes – Northside, Southside and Hillside. Entrees of maple-glazed salmon and a vegetarian “Three Sisters Stew” will be accompanied by wild rice pilaf, corn cakes, green beans with candied pecans, and roasted maple squash. Faculty and staff can enjoy the special meal from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m
“After learning about the food references in Sweetgrass braid, we’ve been thinking about ways to support the common reading lecture since early fall,” said Sarah Larson, Director of Dining Services. “I approached the culinary team with the idea for a special meal and members immediately embraced the idea.” Three Sisters Stew, for example, stems from an essay describing native interwoven garden plantings of corn, beans, and squash.
Evening watch parties
Starting late Tuesday afternoon, various groups invite students and members of the WSU community to join viewing parties to enjoy the lecture together. Four on Pullman Campus is hosted by:
- First Year Programs, which is home to the General Reading Program, at 5:30 pm in CUE 202
- Native American programs at 6:00 pm in Spark G-45
- Olympia Hall of Residence at 18:00 in the lobby
- School for the Environment at 5:30 pm in Troy Hall 309
Viewing parties will also be hosted by:
- WSU Tri-Cities at 6:00 pm in its Writing Center (CIC 101)
- WSU Vancouver at 5:45 pm in its Library Building (VLIB) 261
- Puyallup Research and Extension Center at 5:30 pm in the DF Allmendinger Center, 2606 W. Pioneer
Museum booklet
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU is producing a booklet to inspire visitors to find connections between works of art currently on display and themes found in Sweetgrass braid. Titled Common Reading Connections, it contains nine excerpts from reflections written by students in Honors 280 in fall 2022, describing connections they found between topics in the book and artwork. Copies of the booklet will be available at the museum’s reception desk.
In addition to its ties to the Community Reading Program, the Kimmerer Lecture also kicks off the VWS spring guest season.
