Instructor Carolyn Benton Cockefair believed that everyone – not just traditional college-age students – should continue learning. In honor of this sentiment, the University of Missouri-Kansas City is hosting its 43rdannual Carolyn Benton Cockefair Continuing Education Series.

To begin this year’s series, best-selling author Simon Winchesterwill discuss his works, including “The Man Who Loved China” – a biography of Cambridge scientist Joseph Needham. Winchester’s presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at the University Center’s Pierson Auditorium.Tickets are not required, but RSVPs are requested. Call (816) 235-6060 to reserve a seat. A book sale and signing will follow the event.

Needham’s research on the history of Chinese science led tothe famous “Needham Question,” which questions the riseand fall of Chinese science. Through his research, Needhamsought to uncover why the West overtook China in scienceand technology, and why the country’s technologicaladvancements failed to develop modern science.

“In ‘The Man Who Loved China,’ Simon Winchester … builds on his success in writingabout eccentric British intellectuals,” according to a Washington Post review.“Needham makes agreat subject.”

Other works by Winchester include “The Professor and theMadman,”“The Map that Changed the World” and “Outposts:Journeys to the Surviving Relics of the British Empire.” Arrangements for the appearance of Simon Winchester were madethrough HarperCollins Speakers Bureau in New York.

The Lecture Series, formed in 1966 by Cockefair’s former students, has brought such intellectuals as Tess Gallagher, James Michener, Jeane Kirkpatrick, John Updike and Tom Wolfe to Kansas City. Its purpose is to continue what Cockefair started when she first came to the then University of Kansas City in 1947.

Throughout her 17 years at the University, Cockefair drew a following from students and non-credited students who were attracted to her Socratic style of teaching and her ability to link history to current events.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a three-part mission: visual and performing arts, health sciences, and urban engagement.