Solertia Humanities Speaker Series

Solertia—one of the elements comprising the virtue of prudence—is the ability by which someone, "when confronted with a sudden event, can swiftly, but with open eyes and clear-sighted vision, decide for the good, avoiding pitfalls of injustice, cowardice, and intemperance" (Josef Pieper, The Four Cardinal Virtues).

The UCCS Humanities program is proud to offer the Solertia Humanities Speaker Series, which presents an annual talk by an internationally recognized leader in the humanities. In our rapidly changing and often fragmented world, a cultivated appreciation of our collective likeness, shared capacities and common aspirations compels us to understand and savor the rich depth of human diversity and experience. To the ancient Romans, the concept of humanitas included an education that instilled the virtues of character required to live a fulfilling life: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. Funding for Solertia is provided by a Humanities Program Fee, with additional assistance from the Heller Center for Arts & Humanities.

An Evening with International Bestselling Author Kevin J. Anderson 

Why Humanities Matter: Dune and Star Wars as the Gateway to Your Purpose
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 7:00pm
Chapman Foundations Recital Hall
Ent Center for the Arts
5225 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Science fiction doesn't predict the future—it inspires the future. Science fiction depicts alternate worlds, some wondrous and alien, others cautionary and dystopian. Pivotal classics such as Dune and Star Wars have entered our consciousness and inspired countless people to pursue careers in ecology, engineering, politics, and economics. #1 international best-selling author Kevin J. Anderson has written many novels in the Dune and Star Wars universes, as well as countless original works. He will discuss how engaging with the humanities through science fiction influenced his own career choices and life path, from growing up in a small Wisconsin farming town to working in a billion dollar franchise.



Kevin J. Anderson has published more than 190 books, fifty-eight of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as the unique Clockwork Angels steampunk trilogy with legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart. His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Wake the Dragon and Terra Incognita fantasy trilogies, humorous Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series and The Dragon Business series.

He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and composed the lyrics to three rock albums. Anderson is the director of the graduate program in Publishing at Western Colorado University, and he and his wife Rebecca Moesta are the publishers of WordFire Press.



He worked on the recent films Dune: Part One and Part Two from Legendary Entertainment, as well as the forthcoming Dune: Prophecy TV series from MAX, and other films in development, including Persephone and Karousel.



He has 24 million copies in print in thirty-four languages. His most recent novels are Nether Station, Horn Dogs, Persephone, and Princess of Dune (with Brian Herbert).