The Five @ Five Lecture Series features five lectures on a given subject in order to provide an in-depth look at the topic. This educational program highlights the research and talent of Penn State Lehigh Valley faculty members, and is open to the community.
All 5@5 lectures are held in room 228 at Penn State Lehigh Valley located at 2809 Saucon Valley Road in Center Valley.
Registration is REQUIRED for all of these lifetime learning opportunities.
Spring 2026
March 19, 26; April 9, 16, 23
Mafia
This five-part series takes a closer look at organized crime through the connected themes of structure, psychology, history, and culture. We’ll start by exploring how organized crime operates—both through the traditional family-style hierarchy and the more modern, business-like networks that mirror corporate systems. The series then examines the psychological forces behind power, loyalty, and belonging within these organizations. Next, we’ll look at La Cosa Nostra in New York and Philadelphia, focusing on figures like Paul Castellano and Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo, to understand how their leadership shaped the American Mafia. The discussion then turns to outlaw motorcycle gangs, exploring how brotherhood, rebellion, and hyper-masculine identity contribute to their criminal enterprises. Following that, a film industry executive will lead a session on how biker gangs are portrayed in film and how those portrayals have influenced public perception of the culture. The series concludes with a look at how organized crime cases are prosecuted, drawing on real-world examples that reveal law enforcement’s approach to dismantling these networks.
The 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War
May 28; June 4, 11,18,25
David M. Longenbach, Penn State Lehigh Valley History Faculty, presents our spring lecture series, "The Revolutionary War". In this five-part series we'll explore: the military and political campaigns of the Revolution from the beginning at Lexington and Concord to the final curtain at Yorktown. Join us for this exciting examination of 18th Century warfare as Americans desperately fight for their independence.
THE FIVE-PART SERIES WILL EXPLORE:
May 28: The Revolution begins: War in New England
June 4: Disaster: The Battles for New York
June 11:The War Comes to Pennsylvania
June 18: The War moves South: War in the South Carolina Backcountry
June 25: Endgame: “The Race to the Dan” and Yorktown
Summer 2026
Hot Spots
July 23, 30; August 6, 13
David M. Longenbach, Penn State Lehigh Valley History Faculty, presents our summer lecture series, "Global Hot Spots”. In this four-part series we'll explore the military realities of the 21st century as the world re-arms and global tensions rise. From the deserts of the Middle East to the warm seas of the South Pacific, we will examine the movement of the global chess pieces. Join us for this exciting examination of the world’s areas of confrontation.
THE FOUR-PART SERIES WILL EXPLORE:
July 23: The Gaza Strip, the Middle East
July 30: Africa, Pakistan & Afghanistan
August 6: The South China Sea: Vietnam, Taiwan & the Greater Pacific
August 13: Ukraine, Europe and War
Schedule
Lectures will be held from 5:00–6:00 p.m., Thursdays
Room 311-B
Penn State Lehigh Valley, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, PA 18034.
Cost
The cost will be $100.00 per person or $125.00 for two people from the same household.
Registration: please call Sara Roth at 610-285-5059 or email [email protected].