Rebecca Skloot, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” will speak at NSU on March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.
The lecture is the last of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ Distinguished Speakers Series for the 2013-2014 school year. Farquhar Dean Don Rosenblum estimates that around 500 people, including students, will attend.
Skloot is a freelance science writer who specializes in science and medicine. Her book was named one of the best-selling new books of 2010 by more than 60 media outlets. It stayed on the New York Times Bestseller list for over two years, eventually reaching #1.
Skloot will speak about the challenges and rewards of writing “The Immortal Life,” a true story that follows the life of Henrietta Lacks, a young black woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951 and left behind an immortal line of cells. The cells were then harvested without Lacks’ knowledge and lived on to contribute to scientific advancements. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” raises questions about race, class and bioethics in America.
Rosenblum said that Skloot was inspired to write it after the response she recieved from a short article she wrote about Lacks in the New York Times.
It had such a big response that she wanted to dig more deeply into the story and then wrote the book,” said Rosenblum, “After 10 years of writing her book, it instantly became highly regarded and celebrated.”
“The Immortal Life” has been translated into more than 25 languages. It is also being made into an HBO movie produced by Oprah Winfrey and Alan Ball.
Skloot is currently working on a new book about the bond humans have with animals.
Rosenblum feels fortunate and honored to have Skloot speak at NSU. He said that the faculty chooses prospective speakers whom they believe will have an impact on the students.
“Skloot is very limited in the number of speaking engagements she offers,” Rosenblum said. “Our faculty has been eager to have Skloot join us for years.”
Rosenblum said Skloot’s presentation will be personal and intimate, which is why it is in the Miniaci Center, a smaller venue than other campus locations.
Rosenblum said, “Her speech allows people to pause from their daily lives and become emerged in a topic that creates such inspiring ideas.”
Students in NSU’s honors reading seminars have read the book and are required to attend the event with Skloot.
Alison Brimmer, assistant professor in the Division of Humanities who teaches one of the seminars, said that reading Skloot’s book allows students to enrich their learning and enthusiasm for issues happening in the world.
“It is really interesting how her book isn’t centered on just one subject. It’s about biology, science, journalism, cultural forces and life lessons,” Brimmer said, “Skloot is taking the power of real world situations and connecting it to the academic world.”
Emily Schmitt, associate professor in the Division of Math, Science and Technology, said “I’ve been trying to get Skloot on campus for years; I’m totally inspired by her.”
Brimmer, Schmitt and other seminar professors will select 24 students from their classes to attend a private luncheon with Skloot.
Brimmer and Schmitt are inspired by Skloot’s work and are excited to see what else she achieves.
“Skloot took a lot of risks by putting her life and career on hold in order to pursue an idea she had, even if it meant changing her life to accomplish it,” Brimmer said.
Schmitt said, “I’m really excited. [Skloot] is about the same age as me and I’m just really interested in [her book].”
Rosenblum encourages students to consider attending the event, no matter their academic interests.
“I want every student to experience more than just going to class and studying,” he said.
Brimmer agreed.
“A college experience is about learning both inside and outside the classroom, and having presenters like Skloot come to NSU allows this to happen,” she said.
Schmitt urges everyone in the NSU community to get a ticket for the event.
“Don’t miss the opportunity because Skloot is a famous author now and the awareness that she’s made for this issue is pretty phenomenal,” she said.
Skloot’s presentation is free and open to the NSU community and general public. Tickets are required for admission because seating is limited.
Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning on March 20, with a limit of two per person.
Pick up tickets at the Office of the Dean, located on the second floor of the Mailman-Hollywood Building. For more information, call the Office of the Dean at 954-262-8236.
