Baker Lecture Series
The UNO Department of English's Bruce and Karen Baker Lecture Series supports conversations and events that elevate the humanities and literary studies.
About Our Sponsors
Dr. Bruce Baker was a beloved member of the UNO Department of English for many decades, beginning as an instructor in 1965 and retiring as a full Professor in 1998. Dr. Baker is now the most senior Professor Emeritus in our department. During his tenure at UNO, Dr. Baker was an avid scholar, and his work focused largely on one of Nebraska’s—and America’s—greatest literary figures, Willa Cather. Dr. Baker published extensively on Cather and gave many years of service to the Willa Cather Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting Cather’s legacy around the world and in her hometown of Red Cloud.
The Bruce and Karen Baker Lecture Series continues to honor Dr. Baker’s legacy by bringing together scholars, writers, and lovers of literature to engage in thoughtful dialogue—just as Dr. Baker did /throughout his long and distinguished career.
Harnessing the Power of Literature
In a world that often feels fragmented, literature remains a powerful thread that unites us across time, cultures, and experiences. Stories have the unique ability to bring us closer to the hearts and minds of others. They allow us to step into different lives, to explore unknown worlds, and to reflect on our own. From the literary classics that have shaped our consciousness to contemporary novels that give voice to modern struggles, literature reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
At their best, literature and creative writing are not just solitary pursuits. They are communal activities—ways of engaging with others, of sharing our stories, and of finding common ground in places where differences may seem insurmountable. As writers and readers, we create a community of shared meaning. And that, perhaps, is one of the greatest powers of literature: its ability to build bridges, to spark dialogue, and to inspire action.