"If it comes down to it, we could probably host something at our school and send an invitation to the relevant departments at the university." Sadly, there wasn't much Ben could do about the paranoid stupidity of the UCLA board, at least not now. He was sure that with time they'd be able to figure something out, especially if he made some phone calls to certain people. Still, until then he was more than happy to give his lectures to his own students, whether they wanted them or not.
"But think of the aesthetics. Lab coats are crisp, dignified." Ben offered, raising his glass a little bit, foregoing the straw for the moment to take a sip directly from the container. "Clean. You learn to appreciate being stuck in a lab when you have to wash your clothes in a river. Besides, it's a badge of pride an accomplishment. I bet it makes the womenfolk go gaga."