Events
Chase Lecture Series 2026
The Naomi C. Chase Lecture in Children's Literature honors the memory of Dr. Naomi Chase, a classroom teacher who became a professor at the University of Minnesota and was especially passionate about empowering children as readers and writers.
The 2026 Chase Lecture's topic will be Searching and Finding Home on the Page, featuring acclaimed author Kao Kalia Yang. Born a stateless child in a refugee camp, Yang’s Hmong family resettled in St. Paul, Minnesota when she was six years old. She has spent much of her life searching for and finding home on the page. Her works center ideas of belonging, family, and community. Join Yang in a discussion of home in children’s literature.
This event is free and open to the public. It is co-sponsored by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the College of Education and Human Development, the University of Minnesota’s Children’s Literature Research Collection, home of the Kerlan, and Kerlan Friends.
Schedule is as follows:
- 5:30–6 p.m. Reception
- 6 p.m. Welcome and Introduction
- 6:10–6:45 p.m. Chase Lecture
- 6:45–7:15 p.m. Q&A and discussion
- 7:15–8 p.m. Book signing
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the CEHD community.
The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. All are welcome.
The University of Minnesota campuses were built on the traditional homelands of the Dakota and Ojibwe, and scores of other Indigenous peoples who have walked on these lands from time immemorial. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations. We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.