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Democracy is a Party: The Lost Art of Getting Together
Alworth Peace and Justice
We fight our disillusionment by holding vigils, declaring our positions on social media, or announcing our allegiances in yard signs; but we also feel like these are ineffective and joyless. What if the way to restore our faith in democratic life was more joyful, more social, and far more fun? A century ago, the philosopher John Dewey theorized that democracy can never characterize our institutions if it is not realized and enjoyed as a way of life.
Summary: In the last decade, Americans have increasingly expressed a sense of dismay at the erosion of democracy. Bethany Henning considers the possibilities of celebration as an effective (and increasingly rare!) mode of political action. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free. Contact: Tim Lorek. Contact Email: tlorek@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Mitchell Auditorium.
Salt Meadow Restoration in Germany's Wadden Sea
School of Arts and Letters Faculty Colloquium
Summary: What's so fascinating about a gigantic mud flat? Can sheep and fish coexist? Why destroy dikes that protect us from rising seas? In her discussion of salt meadow restoration along the German Wadden Sea coast, Dr. Karen Rosenflanz explores a unique ecosystem shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Kevin Quarmby. Contact Email: kquarmby@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM.
St. Scholastica Library Raven Room.
The Okee Dokee Brothers!
Other Mitchell Events
With a sound built on banjo, guitar, and brotherly harmony, the duo has earned five Parents’ Choice Awards and critical acclaim from NPR and USA Today. Their music serves as a soundtrack for adventure, blending wit and heart to remind listeners of all ages that the best stories usually begin just outside the front door. On their latest album, Little Old You, the duo returns to their roots with an acoustic backyard set filled with “sticks, mud, and cosmic wonder.” Whether they are featured on PBS KIDS or performing live, Joe and Justin specialize in songs that make families want to dance in the kitchen and sing by the campfire. At its core, their work is a gentle, unplugged nudge toward nature, proving that friendship and laughter are the simplest ways to find magic in the world.
Summary: THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS! GRAMMY® Award-winning childhood friends Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing are the “Shel Silverstein of family music,” crafting Americana folk that celebrates the spirit of the great outdoors. Get tickets. . Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: $25. Contact Email: theokeedokeebrothers@gmail.com. Contact Phone: 218-723-6779. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses.
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
Mitchell Auditorium at The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave.
Duluth, MN 55811.
For more info visit thecollegeofstscholastica.ticketspice.com. Local Panel: Immigration in Duluth
Alworth Peace and Justice
A panel of engaged citizens will share perspectives on the legal, historical, and social circumstances of immigration politics locally. This event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Duluth.
Summary: This year's Tom Morgan Honorary Local Panel examines immigration in the Duluth community. After the tense politics and activism of immigration enforcement in Minnesota in the winter of 2026, we take stock of the current situation in the Twin Ports. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Tim Lorek. Contact Email: tlorek@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Mitchell Auditorium.
Hope in Dark Times
Music Department
Experience a remarkable story that connects wartime Hungary to Duluth through music, art, faith, and resilience. This unique event centers on Zoltán Kodály's powerful Missa Brevis, one of the twentieth century's most significant sacred choral works, composed amid the turmoil of World War II. The program explores the extraordinary connection between Kodály and Sister Constantina Kakonyi, a Hungarian artist who later made her home at St. Scholastica. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to view a first-edition score of Missa Brevis acquired by the College of St. Scholastica, featuring original cover artwork created by Sister Constantina and signed by Kodály himself. Through a live performance of Missa Brevis, an exhibition of Sister Constantina's artwork, and engaging historical interpretation, this event brings to life the stories of two Hungarian artists whose work was shaped by war, faith, and hope. Discover how music and visual art can transcend suffering, preserve memory, and connect communities across…
Summary: Discover the remarkable connection between Zoltán Kodály and The College of St. Scholastica through Sister Constantina Kakonyi's artwork featured on a rare first-edition Missa Brevis. Experience a live performance, exhibition, and the inspiring story of faith, resilience, and artistic legacy spanning Hungary and Duluth. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Richard Carrick. Contact Email: rcarrick@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses.
Friday, October 9, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel.
Jumping Down the Rabbit Hole: Lessons from an Unconventional Scientific Journey
School of Arts and Letters Faculty Colloquium
Summary: Pablo Palafox shares his journey from chemical engineering student to computational chemist and associate professor, highlighting the roles of mentorship, perseverance, and opportunity. He discusses undergraduate-led anticancer research using molecular modeling and reflects on how meaningful mentorship and research experiences can help students build successful scientific careers. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Kevin Quarmby. Contact Email: kquarmby@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses.
Friday, October 16, 2026, 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM.
St. Scholastica Library Raven Room.
Prism Concert: Music Ensemble Showcase
Music Department
Summary: As part of St. Scholastica’s Homecoming celebration, the Music Program presents a colorful spectrum of music, creating a fast-paced, sonic kaleidoscope. This free, hour-long performance features each of our instrumental and choral ensembles. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Emily Nast. Contact Email: enast@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses.
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Mitchell Auditorium.