Associate Professor of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Ryan Davis will discuss the impact of the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 on Spanish culture for the University Club (U-Club) meeting from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, November 6, in the Faculty/Staff Commons of the Bone Student Center.

image of A newspaper depicts the Spanish Flu in the early 1900s.

A newspaper depicts the Spanish Flu in the early 1900s.

The presentation will begin at 4:30 p.m. All faculty, staff, retirees, and their guests are welcome. Membership in U-Club is not required.

Davis, the author of The Spanish Flu: Narrative and Cultural Identity in Spain, 1918, will trace the emergence of an unofficial explanation for the epidemic that revolved around the cultural figure of Don Juan. The explanation will be a response to growing dissatisfaction with the official explanation, which was grounded in bacteriology.

For those with reservations, the second U-Club fall Gourmet Greek dinner will be held on November 7. Contact Dona Meador at 452-7588 or djmeado@ilstu.edu for any questions or concerns.

Find more information about U-Club events and activities. Continued program support is provided by the Office of the Illinois State University Provost and the Office of the President.