What is a Public Intellectual Today: with Hanif Abdurraqib

Reflections by Alexis Jones “Long day?”  These are the words that greeted me when I walked into the Tressider Oak lounge and fell into my seat, exhaling with such audible force that it elicited a response of humorous inquiry from the fellow attendee beside me. “Yes,” I laughed, feeling slightly embarrassed that my exhaustion was…

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Reclaiming Joy and Community at IDA’s First FrIDAy

Student at First Friday making cyanotypes.

This month’s IDA First FrIDAy brought together 111 people on October 3, 2025— students, alumni, fellows, and friends — for an evening filled with creativity, laughter, and connection. The energy inside Harmony House was electric, a celebration of community that reminded everyone why these gatherings matter so deeply. This was a great start of events…

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