Social Science and Humanities Symposium
Loneliness as an Epidemic
The 17th annual College of Southern Idaho Social Science and Humanities Symposium, titled “Loneliness as an Epidemic”, offers two days of programming that explores and responds to the Surgeon General's Advisory "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation". With dynamic presentations, thought-provoking panel discussion, and hands-on workshops, you’ll gain valuable insights into the root cause and explore practical solutions.
Day 1: Understanding and Addressing the Epidemic:
The symposium kicks off by exploring the loneliness epidemic through insights from Dr. Michael Konrad, Perri Gardner, and Dr. Matthews, connecting findings from the Surgeon General’s report to primate behavior and at-risk populations. A screening of Join or Die sparks discussions on community and connection, followed by a hands-on creative session with Paula Weeks and Jennifer Martin. Attendees will leave with tools to build resilience and foster meaningful connections.
That same evening, there will be a play production “Our Town”. Thornton Wilder explains his vision for writing this play as “an attempt to find a value above all price for the smallest events in our life.” Described by Edward Albee as "the greatest American play ever written," Our Town represents the fictional American town of Grover's Corners between 1901 and 1913 shedding light on the everyday lives of its citizens through the lens of life and death.
Location: Fine Arts Theater
Time: March 6, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Admission to this production is free for current CSI students, faculty and staff. Please visit the CSI Box Office with a valid CSI ID to pick up tickets.
Time: March 6, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Admission to this production is free for current CSI students, faculty and staff. Please visit the CSI Box Office with a valid CSI ID to pick up tickets.
Day 2: Building Resilience and Community:
The second day centers on practical strategies to combat loneliness by building community resilience. Dr. Royce Hutson from Boise State University explores preventing violent extremism through public health initiatives. Mayor Rebecca Vipperman of Wendell discusses the role of local leadership in fostering connection via public policies. Participants engage in a Narrative 4 Story Exchange to promote empathy and leadership. Afternoon sessions feature Katie Zeoli on Alzheimer's and dementia, and a panel with Reba Puente from CSI Library and others on reimagining libraries as hubs of connection. The day wraps up with assessments and closing remarks.
Registration & Details
Register for the 2025 Symposium
Date: March 6 - 7, 2025
Cost: Free
Location: CSI Fine Arts Theater, 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301
To earn professional development credit – Please register separately with the College of Southern Idaho for Socy 199A or contact Matt Reynolds at mreynolds@csi.edu
About the Symposium
The CSI Social Science and Humanities Symposium is a 2-day annual conference exploring a theme relevant to history and modern society. The Symposium has an agenda highlighting experts in the field including professors from Idaho universities sharing a diverse prospective on the theme of the Symposium.
Who should attend the Symposium?
- Educators seeking professional development credit
- CSI students seeking academic credit
- CSI students wanting to expand their knowledge without seeking academic credit
- General pubic interested in expanding their knowledge through a multiple perspective approach