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Common Read/Common World Events

2025/26 Book Selection: Late Migrations A Natural History of Love and Loss By Margaret Renkl

2025 - 2026 Events

Please use this form to submit an event for consideration.

Spring Series on Nature and Sustainability: Amy Leach
Thursday, March 5 at 4:30 p.m. | Student Center Terrace Room

Amy Leach is an American non-fiction essayist known for her lyrical, imaginative writing style and considered an important and distinct voice in contemporary nature writing. Reviewers, editors, and literary award committees have widely recognized her work for its unique and imaginative approach to the natural world.

 

Winging It: The Science of Bird Migration, presented by Maddie Jackson
Thursday, April 2 at 4:30 p.m. | Life Science Lecture Hall Room 003
free refreshments will be available

The first 100 audience members will receive special UV window sticker deterrents to prevent bird strikes.

 

Spring Series on Nature and Sustainability: David George Haskell
Thursday, April 9 at 4 p.m. | Student Center Terrace Room

David George Haskell is a British and American biologist and writer. He is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist in General Nonfiction. In 2025, he was appointed Adjunct Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He was professor at The University of the South from 1995 to 2025, serving as Chair of Biology (2004-2009) and Director of Environmental Arts and Humanities (2024-2025), and was named William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies in 2021. In 2020-2021, he was Professor Adjunct in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at The University of Colorado, Boulder. 

 

Monarchs and Milkweeds: A Co-Evolutionary Story, presented by Dr. Laura Frost and Biology major Kealey Skinner
Thursday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m. | Life Science Lecture Hall Room 003
free refreshments will be available

Audience members will receive milkweed seedlings to plant.

Past Events

Creative Pitch Competition
submission deadline is Thursday, January 29

This creative pitch competition is inspired by Alabama native Margaret Renkl, who exhibits an entrepreneurial mindset through her books, columns, public speaking and community outreach. The Melton Center in the Mitchell College of Business invites any South undergraduate student to submit a business pitch for a chance to win one of three cash prizes. The Melton Center believes that the entrepreneurial mindset is for all people and encourages all students to participate in this competition, regardless of their current major. Priority will be given to business ideas that promote creativity and sustainability. Details on prizes and how to submit your pitch.

Meet the Author, Margaret Renkl - Book signing and reception to follow
Thursday, November 13 at 5:30 p.m. | Student Center Ballroom

The author of this year's selection will discuss her collection of essays, exploring family, identity and our relationship to the natural environment. Renkl's short chapters offer powerful reflections on her upbringing in Alabama, touching on both home and faith and tracing a tender and honest portrait of her complicated parents and of the bittersweet moments that accompany a child’s transition to caregiver. Some of her other titles include The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year and Graceland, At Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache From the American South. Renkl is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, where her essays appear each Monday. A graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Carolina, Renkl lives in Nashville.

Birth, Death, and the Meaning of Life - a Philosophical Discussion on Late Migrations
Thursday, October 23 from 2 - 3:15 p.m. | Chi Omega Amphitheater at Moulton Tower

What is so meaningful about birth? How do we make sense of the deaths of loved ones? 

Join Assistant Professor of Philosophy Dr. Delaney Verjinski and students from Biomedical Ethics for a public read-aloud and philosophy discussion inspired by the 2025-2026 Common Read/Common World selection, Late Migrations. 

Create a Custom Photo Frame
Monday, September 8 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Student Center Terrace

Make your own custom photo frame to celebrate your "universe." Who is your universe? It could be your family, your friends, or whomever you choose. Bring your own 4x6 photo or print one onsite (limited quantity). Supplies will be available to create and decorate a custom frame for your photo.

Common Read/Common World Kickoff Picnic - Lunch available while supplies last
Wednesday, September 10th from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | University Leadership Center

Kick off the school year with a picnic that’s all about connection, storytelling and growth. Enjoy music and interactive activities inspired by Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss. Just like the journeys in the book, college life is filled with moments of discovery and transformation. Join us to explore how we shape our own stories, connect with others and grow together.