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Saginaw Valley State University

October 5, 2023

SVSU lecture to discuss innovation

Critically acclaimed author Eric Weiner to speak October 24

Portrait of man in cap and scarf with arms crossed

For all who despair that isolation is required for creativity and innovation, Eric Weiner has good news. The award-winning journalist and best-selling author will debunk the myth of the lone genius during his lecture, “Innovation: They What, Where and When” on Tuesday, October 24 at Saginaw Valley State University. Weiner’s lecture is presented under the auspices of the Wickson-Nickless Distinguished Lectureship in Business. The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall inside Curtiss Hall. It is free and open to the public. 

In his talk, Weiner will explain the connection between our surroundings and our most innovative ideas. In his thought-provoking lecture, Weiner will explore the history of places and times that produced multitudes of brilliant minds and groundbreaking ideas. He will also touch upon the importance of cities and society in ingenuity, unravel the mystery of the “immigrant genius,” and explain why it takes more than hard work to generate innovation. 

During his visit to SVSU, Weiner will also speak to classes in the Carmona College of Business.  

A former reporter for the “New York Times” and foreign correspondent for NPR, his work has appeared in a variety of publications, including National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal and the Harvard Business Review, among others. Weiner has written several books, including “The Geography of Genius” and “The Geography of Bliss,” as well as the critically acclaimed “Man Seeks God.” His latest book is “The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers.” 

The Wickson-Nickless Distinguished Lectureship in Business provides forums to study and debate contemporary events and issues that influence business policies and behavior. The Lectureship honors the late James E. Wickson and Allen E. Nickless, prominent business and community leaders of Frankenmuth. Mr. Wickson with his wife, Meta, created and endowed the Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation, while Mr. Nickless and his wife established the Allen E. and Marie A. Nickless Memorial Foundation. These foundations established the endowment, managed by the SVSU Foundation, that supports this program.