Human survival is just one of the ideas explored in Emily St. John Mandel’s haunting story, “Station Eleven.” A tale of pandemic, culture, art, love and loss, “Station Eleven” is the UO’s 2015–16 Common Reading book selection.

The Division of Undergraduate Studies and the Common Reading program committee are hosting Mandel this month. She will welcome the incoming class at convocation Sept. 27.

Later that evening she will give a talk and sign books in the Erb Memorial Union ballroom at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

“It was about a year ago that I first read ‘Station Eleven’ and immediately knew that, by hook or by crook, we had to find a way to bring Emily St. John Mandel here and introduce our campus to her luminous words and worlds she's created,” said Lisa Freinkel, the UO’s vice provost for undergraduate studies.

Learn more about the book and the Common Reading program and participate in the blog here: commonreading.uoregon.edu. This event is made possible with generous support from the Office of the President and the Division of Student Life.

Convocation begins at 3:30 p.m., with the doors to Matthew Knight Arena opening a half-hour earlier. Convocation is a traditional event marking the beginning of a new academic year and includes a faculty procession and comments by UO leaders, in addition to Mandel’s remarks.

This year’s event will mark the first time new UO President Michael Schill has taken part. He will speak just before Mandel.

Convocation also is a chance to introduce and welcome new faculty members and recognize faculty award winners and new endowed chairs. UO Provost Scott Coltrane will introduce faculty, and ASUO President Helena Schlegel also will welcome students and scholars.

Information on convocation is available here.