On Death and Dying: A Conversation with Peter Kaufman, Oct. 30

Please join the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for an intimate conversation with Rachel Somerstein and Peter Kaufman as they explore what it means to have a terminal illness. “On Death and Dying: A Conversation with Peter Kaufman” will be held in Lecture Center 102.

Kaufman, a professor of sociology, was diagnosed with incurable, Stage 4 lung cancer in June 2017. Kaufman’s recent essay, “A Sociology of My Death,” details some of his observations about living with a terminal illness.

Kaufman’s hope is that by talking about these tough issues openly as a community, we can develop insights, empathy, and compassion to deal with death and dying in more humanistic and caring ways.

Kaufman will first be interviewed by Somerstein, an assistant professor of journalism, and will take questions from the audience if time permits.

The talk will be live-streamed on the campus media site.

The sensitive nature of the topic being discussed may trigger emotional reactions for some. Counselors from the Psychological Counseling Center (PCC) will be available throughout the event in the last row to speak privately with those needing assistance.

PCC provides scheduled appointments and brief emergency appointments daily during regular business hours. For more information, visit the Center online.