DMACC to Host Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor for War and The Human Experience Speaker Series

DMACC's War and The Human Experience Speaker Series will welcome Rosanne Sdoia Materia, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, for a special event held in conjunction with National Crime Victims' Rights Week programming at several of the college's campuses.

The series, now in its seventh year, connects students and the broader community with individuals whose lived experiences illuminate the human impact of war, conflict, and mass violence. Previous speakers have included Holocaust survivors, veterans, first responders, prisoners of war, refugees from war-torn regions and others whose stories challenge audiences to confront the realities of violence, war, and recovery.

"War is the worst thing that humans do to one another, but the least we can do is study it, learn from it, and hopefully avoid it in the future," said Matt Walsh, DMACC history professor and organizer of the War and the Human Experience Speaker Series. "Our program brings more awareness of conflict and terrorism by helping people learn from ordinary individuals who experienced these events firsthand, rather than through a fleeting news clip, a history textbook or a social media post."

Unlike traditional academic lectures, the series focuses on lived experience - stories told by the people who directly endured war, terror, or political violence. Materia's story as a non-combatant civilian who was severely injured in the Boston Marathon bombing underscores how conflict and terror can affect anyone, anywhere, Walsh said.

Materia lost her right leg above the knee and underwent numerous surgeries and procedures following the 2013 bombing. She is the former vice president at a real estate company and author of Perfect Strangers: A story of love, strength, and recovery after the Boston Marathon Bombing.

"If you want to learn about and understand conflict and terror, the best thing you can do is listen to people who experienced it firsthand," Walsh said. "These are powerful moments that stay with students and community members who attend - whether it's hearing from a Holocaust survivor who was featured in the Schindler's List or a firefighter who served during the collapse of both Twin Towers on September 11th. Roseanne's upcoming talk will be no different."

Materia will speak at three campuses this week in conjunction with numerous public events as the college commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights Week April 6th to 10th across the DMACC district, including "Better Together" community walks held in Ankeny, Perry and West Des Moines. For more information, visit ncvrw.dmacc.edu.

As Iowa's largest community college, DMACC aims to serve not only its students, faculty, and staff, but also the broader public. The War and Human Experience Speaker Series is open to all.

Event details:

DMACC War & Human Experience Speaker Series - a public talk in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week featuring Boston Marathon bombing survivor Roseanna Sdioa Materia

Wednesday, April 8

• 9:40-11:05 a.m. DMACC West Campus Auditorium
• 12:50-2:15 p.m. DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building 5, Conference Center

Thursday, April 9

• 11:15-12:40 p.m. DMACC Urban Campus, Building 7, Room 171