Seth Root/The Broadside

The Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program, which Central Oregon Community College Foundation hosts, have released their fall line up for the fall term.

Instead of hosting these speakers at the college, the program’s organizers have decided to host the speakers virtually.

The decision to go virtual is due to the ongoing global pandemic, which has threatened the safety and health of those in the Central Oregon community.

“This year’s fall lineup is all virtual due to our commitment to the health and safety of our students, our community and our speakers, ” said Charlotte Gilbride, the coordinator of Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program, in an email to The Broadside. “We are excited to provide virtual programming this fall – room capacity, transportation and location will not be a barrier. We hope that this format will enable more people to benefit from our programming.”

The first virtual event will take place at 5 p.m on Oct. 15, where a panel of various experts will be discussing Henry David Thoreau and his fellow Transcendentalists and how they sparked a literary revolution after the American Revolutionary War.

Community members and students who want to listen to a panel discussion about how 19th-century thinkers and activists can guide Americans in this tumultuous time about race and gender are encouraged to register.

Tickets are $5 for the virtual event. Tickets for Central Oregon Community College students, however, are free. Just email Charlotte Gilbride at [email protected] to register.