Breaking Chains, Building Futures: Pathways to Redemption, Education, & Excellence

Join the Center for Civic Education & Justice and the University YMCA for Friday Forum + Conversation Café!

This lunchtime series creates space to learn from diverse perspectives, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and connect with others across differences. Each program features speakers, panels, or interactive conversations designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and action. 

Lunch is provided from the Y Thai Eatery at no cost, so come ready to eat, listen, learn, and join the conversation!

This week's speaker: Dr. Stanley Andrisse

Stanley Andrisse is an endocrinologist, scientist, educator, author, and social justice advocate whose powerful personal journey informs his work to expand access to education and opportunity. After being sentenced to 10 years in a maximum-security prison, Dr. Andrisse went on to earn his Ph.D. and M.B.A. and build a career in science and higher education. Through his research, advocacy, mentorship, and lived experience, he challenges assumptions about incarceration, education, and who is given the opportunity to thrive. His work highlights the transformative power of education while calling attention to the systemic barriers that justice-impacted individuals continue to face, bringing a powerful and deeply personal perspective to conversations about second chances, equity, opportunity, and the potential that can be unlocked when people are given the support and resources to pursue new possibilities.