On October 25, DePauw’s Watson Forum became a hub of intellectual exchange and stimulating discussion as a panel convened to dissect the historical event of the US invasion of Grenada. Featuring a mix of professors and students from various departments at Depauw University, the discussion was overseen by Dr. José Pérez Reisler, Assistant Professor of Sociology. The panel was further enriched by the remote participation of three distinguished experts—Dr. Wendy C. Grenade, Philip Kukielski, and Dr. Gary Williams—who joined in via Zoom from different parts of the world.

The atmosphere in Watson was charged with anticipation and enthusiasm. As the event commenced, a Depauw professor set the tone by introducing the panel's array of experts—individuals with vast experience and significant insights into the topic at hand.

Dr. Wendy, recognized as a scholar in the subject, elaborated on pivotal concepts related to the US invasion of Grenada. The attendees, predominantly students, were visibly engrossed, meticulously transcribing essential details and recognizing the correlated academic value to their respective coursework. Their collective focus and dedication illustrated a strong commitment to grasping the intricacies of the subject matter.

The discussion exuded a sense of solemnity and intense focus. Dr. José Pérez Reisler's incisive line of questioning to the panelists triggered a discourse laden with knowledge and profound insights. After an hour of engaging dialogue, the floor opened up to the audience for a question-and-answer segment. Students, vibrant and eager, posed intriguing questions. 

Notably, a student seated at a distance raised a particularly lengthy inquiry, unfortunately inaudible to Dr. Wendy due to technical constraints. Nevertheless, the unintentional technical glitch elicited a lighthearted moment, breaking the tension as laughter rippled through the room,  added to when Dr. José extended an apology for the microphone hiccup.

The aforementioned student raised insightful queries about the practical applications of studying this topic in real-life scenarios. Their sharp arguments and serious engagement in the ongoing discussion resonated with the gravity of the subject matter.

With the last of the questions answered, the Q&A segment drew to a close, marking the end of an enlightening discussion that captured the attention of everyone present. As the audience gathered their belongings and began to make their way out of the venue, the buzz of conversation and the energy lingered in the air — a testament to the power of meaningful discourse and the importance of coming together to share ideas and perspectives.

In an interview with The DePauw, Dr. John Clarke — Dean of the School of Business and Professor of Business — expressed, "This is an interesting topic, impeccably amalgamated with three speakers hailing from diverse corners of the world, providing expert insights into a compelling historical event."

The moderator, Dr. José, said, "I believe organizing this panel was somewhat ambitious. However, the students displayed remarkable attentiveness while learning about this historical event. Its broader implications extend to the current conflict[s] [in] Ukraine and Palestine, offering numerous valuable lessons to learn from the Grenada invasion."

Overall, the discussion was an amalgamation of academic panels and deep engagement of students and scholars that underscored the enduring importance of comprehending historical events and their relevance in today's complex global milieu.