The Knowledge Guest Exchange Speaker Series 2026

Fee: $80 for all 8 Topics or choose your Topics at $15 per

Dates: An 8-week course meeting on Fridays, April 10 - May 29, 2026 

Time: 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

Course Description: 

Enjoy this 8-week course of interactive 90-minute to 2-hour lectures by local experts on the following topics: 

April 10 -  Through the Eyes of a Native: Nigeria with GovState student Bernard Oparanozie Nigeria, The Culture & The People: A Light and Funny Tour.

April 17 -  Civil War Topics: Abraham Lincoln with Lincoln Roundtable Members Bill Mitchell and Scott Dominiak

This dynamic duo will split their time: 

Bill will cover Abraham Lincoln's leadership technique as he struggled with politicians, the military, and factious cross-sections of the population to keep the nation afloat during its most turbulent time.  Also included will be an examination of Lincoln's vision for the country, and how he navigated through war to see its fulfillment. Scott will present on Abraham Lincoln's spiritual journey.

Scott will present on Abraham Lincoln's spiritual journey. Most historians do not delve into Abraham Lincoln's faith in God but Lincoln was a man of God and tried to live according to His principles. Lincoln's spiritual journey had its ups and downs but in the latter part of his life he realized that God was in control, not Man.

April 24 -  Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking with Longtime Knowledge Exchange Class Leader and Presenter Myras Osman

Join historian and world traveler Myras Osman for a brief look at the landscape, climate, and culture of Uganda with a focus on the experience of trekking to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and a Chimpanzee Trek in Kibale National Park in Uganda. It is a life-changing experience to observe these magnificent creatures up close and watch them forage, eat, play and relax in the jungle.

May 1 -  The River Valley Wind Ensemble with Founder and Conductor David Conrad

A history of American "wind bands" or "concert bands" with an invitation to the River Valley Wind Ensemble's free Spring Concert on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 3:00 pm at the Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School Auditorium. 

May 8 -  Artifacts and Scripture with Knowledge Exchange Presenters Bill Mitchell and Scott Dominiak

This presentation will examine the ministry of Jesus Christ through the use of scripture and 2,000 year old relics which existed in Jerusalem during Christ's lifetime.  Jesus' teaching methodology and the social norms of the day will bring context to the ideas Jesus spread.

May 15 -  The U.S.-Dakota War of 1862: A Forgotten Conflict with writer L. Sue Baugh

In August 1862, a smoldering conflict between the U.S. government and Dakota Sioux finally erupted into war. The six-week battle was so fierce that President Lincoln had to pull troops from the Civil War and send them to Minnesota. This forgotten conflict ended with the largest mass execution in U.S. history and left a difficult legacy for the descendants of both sides. With renewed interest in Native American culture in the U.S., this story has important relevance today. 

L. Sue Baugh is an award-winning writer and speaker on topics related to history, science, and traditional cultures. In preparing this talk on the U.S.-Dakota War, she visited the Minnesota battle sites and interviewed both Dakota and settler descendants. 

May 22 -  Fun With AI with GovState Alum George Kwain

We've all heard the doomsayers tell us that AI is going to take over the world, and between intelligent computers and armies of robots, there's no hope in sight. While there's still some time left, let's have some fun!

May 29 -  Wild Kingdom: My Work Experience with Robert Rapacki

As an employee of Don Meier Productions, based in Chicago, Robert Rapacki worked for five years in post-production on the Wild Kingdom television program.  Robert worked as an assistant editor on many episodes, culminating in editing one entire episode of the program. After working at Don Meier Productions, he edited a feature-length video documentary about former Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt, who campaigned to win the Democratic nomination for president in 1988.  The processes of both film and video editing will be featured in the lecture.