Artist Dessa to deliver Harding Distinguished Lecture

American musician, writer and speaker Dessa will share her inspiration as a multi-disciplinary artist when she delivers the Harding Distinguished Lecture on Jan. 23 at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. 

The artist will also share her appreciation for the far-reaching impact of the liberal arts, humanities and social sciences at the 6 p.m. event in Founders Recital Hall on the South Dakota State University campus. 

After meeting with students during the day, Dessa will present her evening lecture and participate in an open forum question-and-answer session with the audience. Afterward, she will take part in a meet-and-greet reception. 

The lecture is free and open to the public, but tickets are limited, and it is recommended that they be reserved in advance online.

“We are so excited to host Dessa as this year’s speaker for the Harding Distinguished Lecture,” said Jacob Wallace, associate professor of music and moderator for the event. “Her interests and expertise cross the entirety of the arts and humanities curriculum, whether it be in her role as a performer, composer, writer, speaker or media personality. We’re thrilled for what is certain to be an engaging and entertaining evening that everyone in the community can enjoy.” 

Dessa fell in love with language as a toddler. Growing up in Minneapolis, she collected favorite words to decorate the walls of her brain; as teenager, she thrilled in metaphor. When she started writing songs and touring, she'd always lean in to pick up on the regional slang. 

Now, Dessa works in most fields that traffic in words. She's recorded rap bangers as part of the hip-hop collective Doomtree, released a live album with the Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra and contributed to The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler. 

She’s delivered a TED Talk on the intersection of romance and neuroscience that's notched more than 4 million views; hosted two seasons of the Deeply Human radio program (BBC/American Public Media/iHeartMedia); and published a memoir recounting most of the above called “My Own Devices.” 

She lives in Minneapolis and Manhattan, still tours in a rented van, and is probably eavesdropping on the neighboring table, listening for a word to add to the collection. 

Dessa’s music, writing and tour schedule can be found on her website, or find her on Instagram as Dessa and on Facebook and Twitter as dessadarling. 

About the Harding Distinguished Lecture Series 

The Harding Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 1963 in honor of Albert S. Harding. Beginning his teaching career at SDSU in 1897, Harding spent 47 years as a professor of history and political science. As a professor, he emphasized the importance of students getting the opportunity to hear speakers from outside South Dakota. He kept a journal of speakers he had heard throughout his lifetime including Theodore Roosevelt, William Jennings Bryan and Edward Everett Hale. The tradition continues by bringing people of national and international reputation to the SDSU campus to speak on timely topics.