Students Take the Podium in New Program

Responding to the desire of Merrimack College students to contribute to conversations on campus about values, meaning, and purpose in life, a new event is offering a platform for students to discuss passions, interests, and what they love at this very moment. The inaugural First Lecture will feature Merrimack senior Brian Caira (Wilmington, Mass.) as the kick-off speaker – his topic of discussion is a surprise.

WHAT: The First Lecture at Merrimack College
This new program provides an opportunity for a college student to speak in a formal and disciplined fashion about what matters most to him or her at this point in their life. The event is in the collegiate tradition of Last Lecture where a faculty member speaks on a topic of their interest as if it’s the last time - only with First Lecture, a student is featured rather than a faculty member. First Lecture will take place annually in the spring semester.

Merrimack senior Brian Caira (Wilmington, Mass.), who suggested the student centered lecture, will be the very first speaker for the program. Caira sits on a Mission Effectiveness Council at the College – a group charged with continually inviting the College community to a deeper and more authentic experience of its mission.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. 

WHERE: Cascia Hall, Merrimack College (315 Turnpike St., N. Andover, MA 01845)

CONTACT: For more information, contact the Office of Mission and Ministry at (978) 837-5217 or email lavaleeb@merrimack.edu.

Comments from Brian Caira ’10, Merrimack senior and First Lecture speaker
“Being selected as the first student to deliver a First Lecture was an honor that I was more than happy to accept.  I think this experience can be rewarding and fulfilling for the entire Merrimack College community. More significantly, this event will hopefully bring this campus closer together, even if it just is for one hour.  Merrimack prides itself on having a very close community, and I think through the First Lecture, this community will be highlighted and allowed to shine.”

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