What does it mean to be “timely,” and to what extent should the humanities engage with notions of timeliness? These questions were explored at the 19th Annual Humanities Colloquium, held on September 11, 2025, in the Chancellor Green Rotunda. The jam-packed event, presented by the Humanities Council, brought together faculty, graduate students, and staff for an urgent and spirited scholarly conversation, informed by this year’s chosen theme: “Timeliness.”
Acting Chair of the Humanities Council, Christina Lee (Spanish and Portuguese), moderated the discussion. In her opening remarks, she praised the University’s commitment to the humanities and asserted the importance of reaffirming the humanities as essential to understanding both the past and present moment. “In these challenging times for higher education, in which humanities departments and programs are being cut and reduced, I feel incredibly grateful to be at an institution that continues to support the humanities in all its diversity, views, and approaches,” she said.
The Council’s 2025-26 Old Dominion Professors – Eduardo Cadava (English), Elena Fratto (Slavic Languages and Literatures), Eric Gregory (Religion), and Effie Rentzou (French and Italian) – served as featured speakers, presenting talks that explored the theme through the lens of their own work and research.
Immediately following the event, attendees returned to the Rotunda for a lively welcome reception to celebrate the start of a new academic year. The Council introduced new faculty, fellows, and visitors to the University, where they will support the Council’s mission to nurture the humanities locally and globally, engage diverse perspectives past and present, and enrich public dialogue with humanistic approaches.
For information about the Humanities Colloquium, visit the Humanities Council website.
The 19th Annual Humanities Colloquium – “Timeliness“
Humanities Welcome Reception
