News Summary
Furman University will host the L.D. Johnson Lecture featuring Robert Blocker, a distinguished Yale University professor and Furman alumnus. Blocker will present his talk titled ‘What Really Matters: Love,’ exploring civic responsibilities and the influence of love in societal interactions. This free event is part of a long-standing series aimed at promoting meaningful cultural discussions within the community.
Greenville, South Carolina – Yale University Professor Robert Blocker will deliver the annual L.D. Johnson Lecture at Furman University on March 20, 2025. The lecture, titled “What Really Matters?” will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Daniel Memorial Chapel on the Furman campus. This event is free to attend and open to the public.
Professor Blocker, a 1968 alumnus of Furman University, plans to explore the theme “What Really Matters: Love” in his lecture. His discussion aims to prompt attendees to reflect on their responsibilities as civic citizens, coworkers, and friends. This annual event, part of the longstanding L.D. Johnson Lecture series that commenced in 1985, focuses on meaningful cultural conversations.
Robert Blocker, who serves as the William Edward Gilbert Professor of Piano at Yale University, has an extensive background in the arts and is recognized for his significant contributions to the field of music education. Alongside his primary role at the music school, Blocker is an affiliate professor of leadership strategies at Yale’s School of Management and acts as a senior advisor to the university’s president.
Blocker’s leadership at the Yale School of Music spanned from 1995 to 2023, during which he held the title of Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music and Professor of Piano. His tenure is marked by a dedication to advancing music education and supporting students in their artistic endeavors. In recognition of his contributions, Blocker was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in 1999, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
The upcoming lecture will also give attendees an opportunity to engage with Blocker as he shares insights from his wealth of experience, training, and research in the field of music and leadership. His perspectives are further amplified by acknowledgment from outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, which have noted his impressive artistic skills and accomplishments.
The L.D. Johnson Lecture series, named after a prominent figure in the community, aims to foster a deep and meaningful dialogue on various cultural issues. Each year, notable speakers are invited to present their views on topics that resonate with community members and can inspire collective reflection and action.
For those interested in attending the lecture or seeking additional information, inquiries can be directed to Vaughn CroweTipton at 864-294-2133 or via email at vaughn.crowetipton@furman.edu.
The opportunity to hear from a distinguished educator like Robert Blocker is particularly significant for the Furman University community, as it not only honors a successful alumnus but also encourages attendees to engage with fundamental questions about love and how it influences their interactions and responsibilities in society.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Furman University Office of Spiritual Life
- Wikipedia: Love
- Greenville Journal: USC School of Medicine Greenville Dedication
- Google Search: L.D. Johnson Lecture
- Greenville Journal: M.G. at Bob Jones University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Education
