Upcoming Term: Saturday, February 9, Sheridan, Wyo.

Saturday University comes to Sheridan

Saturday University Tackles: The National Debt, Wyoming’s Biodiversity, and Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Medicine and Murder.

SHERIDAN, WY —Go back to college for a day – minus the tests, stress and homework – with three professors from the University of Wyoming who will enlighten and entertain with lectures during Saturday University: The Free One-Day College Education on Saturday, February 9.

Attend one, two or all three Saturday University lectures from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., February 9th, at Sheridan College’s C-TEL in the Whitney Building. There is no pre-registration necessary and the lectures are free and open to the public.  The day wraps up with a free lunch and conversation as the professors explore links among their topics.

Saturday University, February 9, Winter Term Schedule:


8:30-8:50 a.m. Free coffee and donuts


8:50-9:00 a.m. Welcome and opening remarks



9:00-10:00 a.m.

Give Me Austerity & Fiscal Discipline, But Not Yet

Klaas Van 't Veld, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Wyoming

 You would not know this from reading the newspaper or listening to politicians, but the vast majority of economists (both liberal and conservative) agree that (1) a large federal budget deficit is bad for the economy, but (2) the deficit should not be cut during a recession - if anything, it should be expanded, through tax cuts and/or increases in government spending. This talk will introduce just enough basic macroeconomics to explain why, using nothing more technical than a few simple diagrams and a story.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

Jekyll and Hyde: Science and Scandal

Caroline McCracken-Flesher, Professor and Chair, English Department, University of Wyoming

 Caroline McCracken-Flesher, Professor and Chair, English Department, University of WyomingRobert Louis Stevenson's classic novel, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," could easily be re-titled "Mr. Jekyll and Dr. Hyde." A widely-published specialist in 19th century British literature, McCracken-Flesher shows how Hyde reveals the dark side of 19th century doctors, linking medicine and murder, drugs and dreadful deeds. By delving into medical history, modern brain theory, pharmacology and 19th century scandals - from murderous dentists to a notorious dissectionist - discover how Stevenson's universally popular tale reflects contemporary, and evolving, societal beliefs about medicine and drugs.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Biodiversity Inside and Out: A Look at Life’s Richness from Wyoming’s Perspective

Carlos Martínez del Rio, Professor, Department of Zoology and Physiology. Director, Biodiversity Institute, University of Wyoming

 From our domestic breakfast to the wild animals in Wyoming’s extraordinary landscapes, biological diversity supports our lives and our livelihoods. Join Dr. Martinez Del Rio as he explores the variety of Wyoming’s animals and the webs that connect them. Discover how the biodiversity that we live within—and that lives in us—shapes our lives and even our ability to live.

12:45-1:45 p.m.

Lunch & Roundtable Discussion

Join us for a free lunch, round-table discussion and audience question and answer session in the lobby outside C-TEL in the Whitney Building.

Saturday University is a collaborative program connecting popular UW professors with Wyoming residents who have a desire to learn.  Saturday University is sponsored by the University of Wyoming, University of Wyoming Foundation and the Wyoming Humanities Council. The program is presented locally by Sheridan College.