IRC Summer of Global Goals

Every four years, the World Cup brings together fans from around the globe to celebrate the most widely popular sport in the world: football (or soccer, if you’re American). This year’s tournament broke a number of records, including the most teams ever competing (48) and the first time three countries have co-hosted the event (Mexico, Canada, and the United States). Not only does the major sporting event have a rich and complicated history, but this year’s historic nature introduces brand new impacts for Kansas City as a first-time host city. After six games, guests in the hundreds of thousands, and complicated shifts in politics and infrastructure, Kansas City will end the summer much differently than it was at the start.

Happy Hour: Halifax Resolves

During the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation, many focus on the colonial activities centering around New England. A little-known event occurred in North Carolina in the little […]

Think and Drink: Crash Course for Kansas and Missouri Voters

Join us for a special nonpartisan community discussion designed to help voters better understand the upcoming August primary elections in Kansas and Missouri before heading to the polls. We will not be endorsing any particular candidate or telling anyone how to vote, just explaining the ballot questions.

Happy Hour: The Loyalist and the Patriot

Step into a gripping dialogue with acclaimed prize-winning historical biographer Flora Fraser and Doug Bradburn, President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, as they reexamine the American Revolution through a provocative lens. This conversation challenges the familiar narrative of unity and independence. It reveals a nation divided—neighbors, friends, even families torn apart by opposing allegiances. Was this truly a revolution, or America’s first civil war? Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Fraser and Bradburn explore the deeply personal conflicts between those who risked everything for independence and those who remained steadfastly loyal to the British Crown.

Think and Drink: The Forever Trade War and What It Means for Kansas City

The trade war has become the new normal. Drawing on original Trade War Lab survey research, attendees will learn how businesses in our region are navigating tariffs, uncertainty, supply chain shifts, and the politics of U.S.-China competition. Data from the Trade War Lab 2025 Tariff Impact Survey shows that many firms say tariffs hurt them, but relatively few take political action in response. Is the securitization of trade policy why costly and ineffective trade policies persist in this country? Come and see how the KU Trade War Lab conducts timely, regionally relevant research to help Kansas City businesses, associations, and policymakers make sense of a complex and rapidly changing trade landscape.

Think and Drink: Tips & Tricks for Those Saddled by Midwest Nice

In this sharp, soulful, and unfiltered follow-up to Pimps & Preachers, Dr. Nicole Price—aka the original Holy, Educated Muthaf*cka—calls in the over-functioners, the peacemakers, and the brilliant-but-exhausted humans who are tired of being “nice” when what’s needed is real. Rooted in radical empathy, this session explores how to stay spiritually grounded, emotionally clear, and intellectually sharp—even when you’re surrounded by noise, nonsense, or outright foolishness. Because real empathy isn’t about absorbing every emotion in the room—it’s about knowing where to focus your energy.

King Charles’ Birthday Tea Party

Join us for one of our favorite social events of the year—a tea party celebrating King Charles III’s upcoming 78th birthday in November. It’s an ESU Tea Party with plenty of charm, delicious treats, and a setting fit for a king.

$45

The Questionable Identity of William Shakespeare

The question may be met with chagrin by traditionalists, but to some, the identity of William Shakespeare is not positively decided. Dr. Felicia Londré, Ph.D, presents a thought-provoking analysis on the Shakespeare authorship question. This free lecture program is at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 29, 2026, on the campus of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Location on campus to be announced on our website in August. In the meantime, please save the date.

39th Annual British Faire

The British Are Coming!  All ESU members and guests are invited to the 39th Annual British Faire sponsored by the Daughters of the British Empire in Kansas. Prepare to be transported across the pond to experience the charm and elegance of a traditional British Faire and Tea.​ This annual fundraising event benefits retirement communities and local charities.

A Christmas Carol

All ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to this holiday classic produced by KCRep. This production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a blend of classic storytelling with lively and energetic performances by an all-star cast.

$39.20