Spark 2026

by

Special Event Free Expression Political/Social Issues/Current ...

Wed, May 20, 2026

9:30 AM – 3:45 PM MDT (GMT-6)

Maglione Hall, Sie Complex

2201 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80208, United States

Details

Spark is DU's annual Day of Free Expression and Pluralism—a half-day event bringing together faculty, staff, students, and guests from across the Front Range to engage with some of the most pressing civic and intellectual challenges of our time. Now in its fourth year, Spark has grown into a signature event that reflects DU's commitment to inclusive discourse, viewpoint diversity, and civic preparation.
Food Provided (Lunch will be provided at the second session only (12:00-1:45 p.m.))

Agenda

Upcoming Events

Wed, May 20, 2026
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Maglione Hall, Sie Complex
Spark 2026: Opening Remarks

Join us for coffee at 9:30 and remarks from Chancellor Jeremy Haefner at 10.

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Wed, May 20, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Maglione Hall, Sie Complex
Spark Session 1: (Un)civil discourse: Religious & Ideological Pluralism

Panelists:
Jennifer Ho, Director, Center for Humanities & the Arts, CU Boulder
Kate Holbrook, Chaplin, Colorado College
Liz Sperber, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Denver

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Wed, May 20, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Maglione Hall, Sie Complex
Spark Session 2: Collaborative Problem Solving: Viewpoint Diversity as a Civic and Workplace Skill

Panelists:
Ty Nagamatsu, Ombuds, Colorado College
Justin McBrayer, Heterodox Academy
Leah Sprain, Associate Professor, Communication, CU Boulder
Cris Tietsort, Assistant Professor, Communication Studies, University of Denver
Tamra d’Estree, Professor, Korbel School, University of Denver

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Wed, May 20, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Maglione Hall, Sie Complex
Spark Session 3: Navigating Information: AI, Digital Media and Misinformation

Panelists:
Lynn Clark, Professor & Director, Estlow Center for New Media, University of Denver
Bradley Petersen, PhD Student, Daniels College of Business, University of Denver
Scott Krzych, Professor, Film & Media Studies, Colorado College
Juli Parrish, Teaching Professor & Director, Writing Program, University of Denver

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Where

Maglione Hall, Sie Complex

2201 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80208, United States

Hosted By

Free Expression and Pluralism Initiative | Website | View More Events