John Elder Robison, neurodiversity scholar in residence at the College of William & Mary, will present the Rosel Schewel Lecture in Education and Human Diversity.

His lecture, “Look Me in the Eye: Neurodiversity in the 21st Century,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, in Hall Campus Center’s Memorial Ballroom. Admission is free and the public is invited.

Robison is the New York Times bestselling author of “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s,” “Be Different: My Adventures with Asperger’s & My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families, and Teachers,” “Raising Cubby: A Father and Son’s Adventures with Asperger’s, Trains, Tractors, and High Explosives,” and “Switched On: A Memoir of Brain Change and Emotional Awakening.”

A book signing with the author will be held in the Burton VIP/East Room at Drysdale Student Center at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 20. A limited number of copies of “Look Me in the Eye” will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public.

“John Elder Robison is a fitting speaker for the Schewel Lecture Series … because his work aligns closely with the event’s mission of education, human diversity, and community engagement,” said Dr. Steve Smith, dean of Lynchburg’s School of Professional and Applied Sciences.

“His insights contribute to broadening perspectives on human diversity and fostering inclusive dialogue, which resonates with the lecture’s emphasis on ethical leadership and informed citizenship.

“His participation also enhances the educational value of the series by challenging societal norms about neurodiversity and inspiring conversations on how educational institutions and communities can better support diverse learners.

“This aligns with the lecture’s history of bringing thought leaders who spark meaningful discussions on contemporary societal challenges, thus continuing the legacy of the Schewel family’s vision for cultural enrichment and community service.”

For more information about the lecture, contact Irene Foster, administrative coordinator, School of Professional and Applied Sciences, at [email protected] or 434.544.8382.

The annual Rosel Schewel Lecture in Education and Human Diversity is made possible by an endowment established by the late Elliot Schewel in honor of his wife, Rosel Hoffberger Schewel ’71 MEd, ’83 EdS, a champion of education, diversity, arts, and many other causes.