Inspiring Conversations on Food, Wellness & Community
The ASU Farm Speaker Series brings together changemakers, educators, and community leaders to share knowledge, lived experiences, and actionable insights around topics central to our mission — including sustainable agriculture, food justice, wellness, education, and community empowerment.
Through these thought-provoking events, we create a space for meaningful dialogue that bridges academic research, hands-on practice, and lived realities. Each speaker offers a unique perspective that challenges, inspires, and mobilizes our community to reimagine the future of food systems.
Upcoming Events
Lecture with Michael Lamb
February 2026 • Date TBD
Join us for a special lecture with Michael Lamb, Associate Professor of Politics, Ethics, and Interdisciplinary Humanities at Wake Forest University. Dr. Lamb is a political theorist whose research explores the role of virtues in public life, democratic leadership, and the ethics of citizenship. He is the author of A Commonwealth of Hope: Augustine’s Political Thought and co-editor of Everyday Ethics: Moral Theology and the Practices of Ordinary Life. His work connects classical and religious traditions with contemporary debates about ethics and leadership, offering insights into how moral character shapes public service. Stay tuned for additional details on this event.
Past Events
Fall 2025
Leopold and Environmental Stewardship
Roberta L. Millstein, author and professor, presented insights from her book The Land Is Our Community: Aldo Leopold’s Environmental Ethic for the New Millennium. The talk revisited Leopold’s influential “land ethic,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of soils, waters, plants, animals, and people. Millstein explored how these ideas can guide modern conservation, ecosystem restoration, and community-based stewardship efforts. The event welcomed students, faculty, and community members interested in sustainability and environmental ethics.
Community Engagement Highlight
In addition to public lectures, ASU Farm engages with local communities through tailored presentations. In Spring 2025, the team gave a special presentation to residents at Mirabella at ASU, sharing insights into sustainable agriculture, the ASU Farm mission, and ways for intergenerational communities to get involved in the future of food systems.
Spring 2025
Growing Food Through a Human Development Lens
Moses Thompson, founder of the Manzo Ecology Program and longtime school counselor, spoke about the therapeutic power of gardening in promoting lifelong wellness, emotional resilience, and culturally responsive education. His work, featured in National Geographic and academic journals, has reshaped the way school gardens are used for K–12 enrichment and community empowerment.
Engagement in Action
In November 2024, ASU Farm co-hosted an event with the Cultivating Civic Virtues through Action project, welcoming Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, President of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and senior disciple of Amma. The lecture, Addressing Today’s Global Challenges, explored themes of compassion, sustainability, and global responsibility, drawing on experiences from the Civil 20 (C20) during India’s G20 Presidency. The event connected community members, students, and faculty in meaningful dialogue on ethical leadership and civic engagement.