Feb 27

Convocation with Spike Carlsen | Writing with Dirt Under your Fingernails … in a Well-Manicured AI World

Fri, February 27, 2026 • 10:50am - 11:50am (1h) • Skinner Chapel

Spike Carlsen has been writing about the world around us, the stuff in it, and how it all works for the past 30 years. He was an editor with Readers’ Digest’s, Home Improvement division for 15 years where he wrote hundreds of articles and oversaw the books division. He’s written for The Wall Street Journal, Men’s Health, The Daily Beast, Smithsonian, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Mother Earth News, and numerous other magazines.

He’s the author of the award-winning A Splintered History of Wood, as well as A Walk Around the Block, Cabin Lessons and four other books. He’s appeared on NBC’s Today Show, Modern Marvels, HGTV, the CBS Early Show, and more.

Prior to picking up a pen he swung a hammer for fifteen years and taught elementary school. In his free time, he enjoys biking, playing guitar, woodworking and working on refugee resettlement through an organization he cofounded, Refugee Housing Minnesota. He and his wife, Kat, live in Stillwater, in close proximity to their 5 kids and 8 granddaughters.

You can find out more about the book and Spike at:

This convocation was also presented as a virtual webinar. Please register in advance if you would like to attend via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Event Contact: Noel Ponder

Event Summary

Convocation with Spike Carlsen | Writing with Dirt Under your Fingernails … in a Well-Manicured AI World
  • When
    • Friday, February 27, 2026
    • 10:50am - 11:50am (1h)
  • Where
    • Skinner Chapel
  • Mode
    • In-Person
  • Event Contact
  • Copy Share Link
  • Intended For: General Public, Students, Faculty, Staff, Emeriti, Alums, Prospective Students, Families
  • Categories: Lecture/Panel

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