The Learning Society

Since 1988, the Learning Society has brought leading thinkers and doers to the doorsteps of Queens University of Charlotte. Queens students and the Charlotte community have benefitted from the knowledge and experiences of renowned authors, journalists, physicians, scientists, artists, economists, politicians, government officials, scholars, historians, entrepreneurs, business executives, environmentalists, and social activists.

Learn more about the history and what the Learning Society offers members, the community, and students.

2024-2025 Lecture Schedule

“How to Know a Person: Bringing Humanity Back from the Brink,” with David Brooks and moderated by Anna Quindlen

October 30, 2024
7:00 p.m.

David Brooks is a bestselling author, op-ed columnist at the New York Times, and recurring commentator on PBS NewsHour. He has a gift for bringing readers and audiences alike face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight, and quiet passion. He is a keen observer of the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs whose columns are among the most read in the nation.

His latest release, “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen,” debuted on the New York Times and Amazon bestseller lists and has maintained spots on both for many weeks. Written to speak to audiences of all kinds, “How to Know a Person” is his attempt to repair America’s torn social fabric by giving us the tools we need to move beyond division and polarization and connect with others on an innately human level.

Anna Quindlen is a prolific bestselling author, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and social critic. She is renowned for her nationally syndicated columns offering insightful and reflective commentary on social and political issues ranging from gender equality to current events that speak to readers directly and help them make sense of their lives.

An Evening with Abraham Verghese on the Future of Healthcare

February 11, 2025
7:00 p.m.

Dr. Abraham Verghese is a bestselling author and prominent voice in medicine with a uniquely humanistic view of the future of healthcare. He received the National Humanities Medal from President Obama, “for reminding us that the patient is the center of the medical enterprise.” Outside of healthcare, he is best known as a phenomenally successful author. His first novel Cutting for Stone, topped the New York Times bestseller list for over two years, it was translated into more than twenty languages, and it is being adapted for film by Anonymous Content. Amazon named it one of its 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime.

In May 2023, he published his second novel, The Covenant of Water, debuting as a New York Times bestseller. His memoirs include the award-winning My Own Country and The Tennis Partner.

Plan Your Visit

For event information, including purchasing tickets and parking, please visit our Event Information webpage.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone interested and is offered on a yearly/seasonal basis. For information about becoming a member, please visit our Membership webpage.

Join the Learning Society

Your annual Learning Society membership gives you access to the leading minds of our times while funding unique learning experiences for our Queens students.

Contact Us

Carolyn Stone
Director, Learning Society
stonec@queens.edu