An extraordinary September with Helios

September is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months yet for Helios, The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's College of Liberal Arts and Education's signature humanities initiative. With creativity, community-building and even post-apocalyptic fort-building on the agenda, students are diving into a month-long celebration inspired by "Station Eleven," the award-winning novel and HBO miniseries.

At the heart of the excitement is a special campus visit from acclaimed author Emily St. John Mandel, set to speak on Tuesday, Sept. 30at Velzy Commons. Her visit is the culminating event in a series of immersive experiences that includes a fort-building project on campus, a community read discussionand afilm screening at the Avalon Cinema.

Station Eleven Programing:

Kick-Off Event: Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m. at the Huff Family Innovation Center

Student teams will build forts in various locations across campus. Teams will have from Sept. 15-26 to build their forts, and then there will be a walk-through from Sept. 29-Oct. 3.

Sept. 23, 6 p.m.: Station Eleven at the Avalon Cinema

In addition to being a critically acclaimed novel, "Station Eleven" is also an award-winning HBO miniseries. Come watch the premiere episode of the HBO award-winning miniseries at Avalon Cinema, in downtown Platteville located at 95 E. Main Street.

Sept. 24, 5:45-6:45 p.m.: Community Read Discussion of "Station Eleven"

Platteville Public Library located at 225 West Main Street in Platteville.

Sept. 30, 6-7:30 p.m.: Emily St. John Mandel Speaking Event

Emily St. John Mandel will be speaking in Velzy Commons in Ullsvik Hall. St. John Mandel will read an excerpt from "Station Eleven" followed by a discussion and audience Q&A.

About Helios:

The Helios Program, launched in Fall 2022, is designed to offer students meaningful ways to explore global issues through the lens of the humanities. With its focus on issues such as the environment, sustainability, law and conflict resolution, Helios allows students-especially those still deciding on a major-to earn a Certificate in Integrated Liberal Arts while engaging deeply with the world around them.