Elgin Community College Speaker Series Examines Cultural Connection Through Archaeology

Tags: Announcement | Events
Published 03/25/2026
Anthropology Faculty Dale Simpson in Rapa Nui or

Anthropology Faculty Dale Simpson in Rapa Nui or "Easter Island."

ELGIN, Ill., March 25, 2026 — Elgin Community College’s Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series will present “Archaeology Without Borders: Lessons from Rapa Nui (Easter Island)” on Thursday, April 8, highlighting the power of global collaboration and cultural connection.

The Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series examines global issues, trends, and perspectives through engaging presentations and dialogue, bringing different voices and experiences to the ECC community.

Anthropology faculty member Dale Simpson, PhD, will share insights from his journey— from participating in an international field school to working alongside descendant communities on Rapa Nui. His presentation will explore how archaeology can build bridges, preserve cultural heritage, and amplify local voices.

“Archaeology without borders isn’t just about studying the past—it’s about building bridges across cultures, oceans, and generations, reminding us that our human story has always been connected,” Simpson said. “From one of the most remote islands on Earth, archaeology reveals a powerful truth: our past is shared, and our future depends on how we choose to learn from it.”

The presentation will take place from 12:30 to 1:45 pm at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, in Building E, Room E125 (Seigle Auditorium). The event is also available over Zoom. The webinar ID is 965 5317 1174, and the passcode is 260797.

This hybrid event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by ECC’s Global/International Studies Team and Humanities Center. 

The Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series was named in memory of the late William Pelz, PhD, who taught history and political science at ECC for more than 19 years. For more information on the event, contact Lauren Nehlsen at 847-214-7809 or lnehlsen@elgin.edu.

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