On behalf of Interim Provost Young and the Office of Academic Affairs, you are invited to the upcoming Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series presented by the 2024-25 faculty award recipients. Award recipients are nominated by their colleagues or students for excellence in their field, and then reviewed by a Faculty Awards Committee. 

The upcoming events are an opportunity for award recipients to engage with the campus and local community by giving a public lecture or performance or a different activity of their choosing. 

Please join us for this semester’s upcoming talks:

Dr. Dale Oliver - Outstanding Service

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 

The Great Hall 

5:00-7:00 p.m.

Lecture Title:  "Opportunities Abound for Service to the Common Good"

Summary: Dale will reflect on key opportunities for service to the common good during his 35 years as a faculty member and sometimes administrator at Cal Poly Humboldt. Together, these opportunities have been an important part of a meaningful and rewarding career.  The AAC&U’s recent statement on “Higher Education’s Compact with America:  Shared Principles for the Common Good,” will help to frame the discussion. There will also be words of gratitude and encouragement.

Dr. Young S. Kwon - Excellence in Teaching

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Goodwin Forum, Nelson Hall East, Room 102

5:00-7:00 pm

Lecture Title: "Beyond Facts: Paradigm Shifts in Exercise Biochemistry and Their Implications for Health"

Summary: Inspired by Thomas S. Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, this lecture explores how scientific progress occurs not through the simple accumulation of facts, but through fundamental paradigm shifts—changes in how we understand and interpret the world.

Using exercise biochemistry as a central example, the lecture examines how long-standing concepts—such as energy metabolism and lactate—have been shaped by older paradigms, and how new scientific frameworks are transforming both education and health-related practice today. Rather than dismissing prior knowledge as “wrong,” this talk emphasizes that rethinking scientific assumptions leads to deeper understanding, improved teaching, and more meaningful applications to human health.

Drawing on classroom experience and real-world examples, the lecture highlights how teaching students to recognize paradigm shifts fosters critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and lifelong learning—skills that extend beyond the classroom to personal health and professional decision-making.

Dr. Daniela Mineva - Scholar of the Year

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Fulkerson Recital Hall

5:00-7:00 pm

Lecture Title: "A Magical Journey Through Music"

Summary: Music has the power to inspire, transform, and bring out the best in all of us. In this concert-lecture, Daniela will share music that has been especially meaningful in her life.

She will perform piano works by composers who have deeply influenced her musical path, including Debussy, Messiaen, and Rzewski, and will reflect on how these pieces connect to her own journey as an educator and concert pianist. Join Daniela for an enjoyable and engaging evening of music.

These events are free and open to students, faculty, staff and members of the local community. Light refreshments will be provided.