Chancellor Edwin Martini to kick off inaugural Ron Mickel and Jane Pederson History Lecture Series

The lecture is presented by the UW-Eau Claire Foundation and the history department and is made possible by the generosity of Mickel and Pederson, two emeriti history professors committed to investing in history education.

“I am honored to help kick off this important series,” Martini says. “Learning about history is critical to understanding the challenges and opportunities we face every day, and it is important for all of us to spend time reflecting on the past so we can better navigate our future.”

For years, Mickel and Pederson have provided scholarships for students majoring in history with intentions to do graduate work in the discipline of history, working toward a master's degree or doctorate and pursuing a career as a historian. They established the lecture fund to attract nationally known scholars to campus at least once per year under the premise that society needs to understand history.

“We hope this lecture series will be a way to encourage an understanding of the value of history, not just by the university community, but the wider Eau Claire community as well,” says Mickel, who served the history department for 42 years.

The couple met Martini, who will be inaugurated on Nov. 20, over the summer and were thrilled when he volunteered to present the first lecture. A distinguished scholar, Martini earned his doctorate in American studies and is the author or editor of five books, including “Invisible Enemies: The American War on Vietnam, 1975-2000,” “Agent Orange: History, Science, and the Politics of Uncertainty” and “At War: The Military and American Culture in the Twentieth Century and Beyond.”

Pederson, who taught at UW-Eau Claire for 29 years and for a total of 35 years, says the research is of immediate interest and that colleagues across the country have contacted her in advance of the lecture.

“I cannot really imagine finding a better place to begin than with our new chancellor and with a topic so relevant to so many people,” Pederson says. “That’s what we hope to have in the future, lecturers that can speak to issues that Americans care about, that our students care about.”

Dr. Andrew Sturtevant, professor and chair of the history department, is excited to learn more about Martini’s research and the legacies of Vietnam. He views the lecture series as a fantastic opportunity for students, faculty members and community members to gain outside perspectives.

“Often the case is that the scholar will come visit classes and students,” Sturtevant says. “It is just a really fantastic opportunity to connect with different scholars and get different ideas.”

Rachel LaPorte, senior development officer in the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, helped set the parameters of the lectureship fund and feels rewarded that Mickel and Pederson could find a meaningful way to stay connected to the university and give back to areas they are passionate about.

“This is exactly what Ron and Jane envisioned, and I am happy to see it become a reality,” she says. “It is a perfect way to launch this lectureship.”

Pederson is eager to reconnect with former colleagues and students who have expressed interest in attending the lecture. She already has names in mind for next year’s event and plans to collaborate with Mickel and the history department to select another impactful speaker.

“We’re historians. This is our passion and we care about both the university and our Eau Claire and Wisconsin communities,” Pederson says. “To have the insights we’ve garnered based on being historians throughout our careers, yes, we want to be part of it.”

Those interested in attending this year's lecture are asked to RSVP by emailing their name and number of attendees to alumni@uwec.edu.