Exploring and interpreting the concepts shaping our world

  • Mar 17, 2014
  • Eldon Romney, Trustee

As part of our mission to "…contribute to and disseminate research relating to intelligence, education, and learning, all for the benefit of the community," the Foundation sponsors Colloquiums.

The Colloquium is a meeting at which specialists deliver addresses on specific topical areas, and the audience usually has an opportunity to ask related questions. It grew out of a proposal by American Mensa's then-Chairman, Gabe Werba, who said, "I want to stimulate within Mensa a climate of intellectual excitement in which concepts can be explored, dialogues can be started, and ideas can be generated that will move us in new directions."

The cited purpose of the first Colloquium, held in October 1982, was: "To offer a forum for any interested Mensan to explore, debate, evaluate, and offer judgment on a major issue of long-range importance to society."

Each Colloquium has made changes as we learned from previous experiences, and new features have been added. The most recent Colloquiums have been one day in length and scheduled during the week of the Annual Gathering.

The coming Colloquium, to be held July 1, 2014, in the Sheraton Boston Hotel, will focus on crime scene intelligence. The Foundation is thrilled to note that acclaimed forensic anthropologist and best-selling author Kathy Reichs, Ph.D., will keynote the coming event. She is a producer of the Fox TV series "Bones," which is based on her work and many subsequent novels. She should be both fascinating and entertaining.

The Colloquium is always open both to Mensa members and the general public, so bring a friend (or three). For more information or to register for the Colloquium, visit colloquium.us.mensa.org.