2023 Robert and Mabel Ruhl Lecture: The Promise of Immersive Realities

This shared, synchronized, immersive reality experience is designed to demonstrate how immersive media like virtual reality and augmented reality can go beyond novelty to become an indispensable tool for communication, connection, and learning.

Attendees will wear virtual reality headsets while Wesley Della Volla, an immersive experience pioneer and storyteller, will guide you through a series of experiences that will take you from outer space to underwater—a firsthand experience of immersive media’s revolutionary potential.

About the Speaker

The founder of Meridian Treehouse, Wesley Della Volla is a visionary, innovator, and immersive experience pioneer. Whether transforming National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium into the largest, permanent virtual reality theater in the world or winning Emmy, National Press Photographers Association, and Webby awards for his innovative storytelling, Wesley pushes the boundaries of what is possible. He also shares his expertise at the intersection of education and entertainment as an adjunct lecturer in Georgetown University’s Environmental Studies Department, Resident Immersive Experience Innovator at the Harvard University Innovation Lab, and the publisher of “An Introduction to Learning in the Metaverse” practitioner’s guide.

Event Registration

Tuesday, February 21

4–6:30 p.m. PST

Redwood Auditorium, Erb Memorial Union, University of Oregon Campus, Eugene

Reserve Your Seat in Eugene by Feb. 14

Thursday, February 23

5–7:30 p.m. PST

First Floor Conference Room, White Stag Block, UO Portland

Reserve Your Seat in Portland by Feb. 16

Both events are free, but registration is required, and seats are limited.

For questions or to request special accommodations for the Eugene event, please contact Angie Whittington. For questions or accommodations for the Portland event please contact Brett Williams.