When science fiction author Dr. Jack Williamson retired from his position as professor of English at Eastern New Mexico University in 1977, the University established a lectureship series in his honor – the Jack Williamson Lectureship. Ever since then writers, editors, artists and other speakers have gathered at ENMU every spring to share ideas, insights and their work with students, readers, viewers, creators, collectors and fans.
The annual Jack Williamson Lectureship includes a luncheon with presentations by the guest of honor and toastmaster, time for book sales and signing, and panel discussions on a variety of science fiction and fantasy topics. All events are open to the public and the luncheon is the only event that requires advance reservations and a fee.
Guest of honor for the 2019 lectureship, taking place April 4 and 5, is digital media artist and filmmaker Alex Rivera. His first feature film, Sleep Dealer, a science-fiction feature set on the U.S./Mexico border, which won awards at the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival, was screened at the Museum of Modern Art, and had a commercial release in the U.S, France, Japan and other countries. Rivera’s work always skews towards discussing the surreal elements of political realities, and it always strives to be both accessible and critical. His work demonstrates that complex arguments can be made clear and simple through the audio/visual medium.
