Lincoln’s contributions to the meaning of freedom is focus of Orville Vernon’s April 23 lecture
Published: April 17, 2012.
Abraham Lincoln’s relevance to today will be the topic of discussion as distinguished historian Orville Vernon Burton speaks at 2 p.m. April 23 in room AS-158 at º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Main Campus in Romeoville. The presentation is part of the Annual Vince Howard Memorial Lecture, sponsored by the º£½ÇÉçÇø Department and the Office of the . According to Burton, the central theme of American history has been the ongoing struggle over the meaning of freedom. Lincoln’s enduring contribution was the redefinition of freedom as a broadly applicable individual right, rooted in the rule of law.
Burton authored the award-winning book, “The Age of Lincoln: Then and Now.” It won the Chicago Tribune Heartland Literary Award for Nonfiction, and was selected for Book of the Month Club, History Book Club, and Military Book Club. He is professor emeritus in history, African American studies, and sociology at the University of Illinois. In his career, Burton has authored or edited 16 books and nearly 200 articles in the history of race relations, family, community and religion.
Besides being an award-winning writer, Burton is also a gifted, engaging lecturer. He was selected nationwide as the 1999 U.S. Research and Doctoral University Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation.
º£½ÇÉçÇø's History Department takes a global and interdisciplinary approach, with courses in African, Asian, European, Central and South American, and United States history. Plus, additional courses in special topics such as the History of Science, the History of Ideas, the History of Women, the History of Religious Thought and the History of Revolutions. History, History/Public History, History Major for High School Teaching Certificate, History for College of Business Majors are among the programs offered.
º£½ÇÉçÇø is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.