Well-timed colloquium speaker visits on eve of armistice's centenary
Friday, November 9, 2018
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8lvgophq_A
– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
Among the threads between technology and the "lethality of war" were tradition, honor, notions of manliness and the horrifically fatal belief that offense wins battles.
The guest of honor extends his already-full day in ongoing chat.
Patrick Marty, college chief of staff and a Notre Dame alumnus (who integrally connected speaker and audience), introduces Deak.
Prefacing the lecture with an appreciation of his own students, as well as those he met earlier that day in Penn College classes, Deak applauds the inspiring influence that learners bring to the teaching process.
The auditorium's magnificent dome reflects the evening's enlightenment.
An engaged crowd listens to a timely rendering of a timeless theme: mankind's adaptive ability to wage war.
Striking a chord through students' familiarity with a battlefield-themed video game, Deak discusses soldiers' use of improvised weaponry – maces, grenades, brass knuckles and crude armor, among them.
After an hour's journey through a brutal series of battles, and the unspeakable use of poison gas in the ensuing world war, Deak was pleased to leave his audience in the verdant peace of a century hence.
Fielding several audience questions, Deak compliments the thoughtful quality of the dialogue.
Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, moderates the Q&A.
Automotive restoration technology instructor Roy H. Klinger shares his students' study-abroad experience in Europe – just "one mountain range over" from the Isonzo area referenced by Deak.
At the post-talk gathering in Wrapture, Deak and Marty pose with members of the Notre Dame Club of Greater Williamsport.