Campus Lectures

Monday, October 13th
4:30pm – Adamson Wing Auditorium, 136A Baker Hall
Robert Behrman, EPP, First Lieutenant, United States Army Reserve
Understanding Conditions in Iraq After the Surge
This lecture presents a description of the political, social, economic and security situations in Iraq from firsthand involvement and experience, and describes some of the complexities affecting American reconstruction efforts. This lecture is intended to present background and firsthand information on the country; information that is difficult to learn without personal experience in the country, but is essential for understanding the news, developments, and decisions that affect that country.

Thursday, October 16th
4:30pm – McConomy Auditorium, UC
Steve Robbins, Author
Unintentional Intolerance
Nationally-known Dr. Steve L. Robbins, speaker, professor, writer and consultant, will inspire attendees with his performance on “Unintentional Intolerance.”
Research and experience tell us that we all have biases that we are often unaware of. Yet, these biases guide us on a daily basis. Could we be making “bad” decisions and engaging in exclusive behavior without knowing? Dr. Robbins underscores the message that when it comes to diversity and inclusion, “we are in this boat together.”
His stories and examples give listeners greater insight into the diverse society that already exists, and how our thinking about diversity issues might need a little tweaking if we are to be successful, now and in the future. Come laugh, cry, think and explore at Dr. Robbins’ one-of-a-kind presentation.

Monday, October 20th
4:30pm – Adamson Wing Auditorium, 136A Baker Hall
John Ferguson, American Voices Association
Why Do They Love Us So Much? Cultural Diplomacy, Globalization and the Young Performing Artist
American Voices was founded by Pianist and Executive Director John Ferguson (CMU music, 1979 and 1983) in 1993 to provide American cultural exchange programs to countries emerging from isolation and conflict. American Voices regularly conducts cultural diplomacy and youth education programs in Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and Egypt. American Voices’ artists have performed hip hop, opera, Broadway and jazz in over 95 countries around the globe.
Co-sponsored by the School of Music

Tuesday, October 21st
5:00pm – Giant Eagle Auditorium, BHA51
Frank Wu, University of Maryland
Yellow: Asian Americans and the Changing Face of Our Nation
Frank H. Wu will offer a provocative new paradigm for race relations that includes Asian immigrants and Asian Americans. He discusses how we can achieve our ideals as our nation undergoes a profound demographic transformation that will make all of us minorities. Using anecdotes, history, and social science, he will challenge the audience to think about issues of diversity in a different manner that reaches out not only to whites and blacks but everyone who belongs to our nation.
Frank Wu is the author of "Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White" and currently a visiting professor at the University of Maryland and is immediate past dean of the Wayne State University Law School. Prior to that he was a law professor at Howard University. He is currently a visiting professor at the University of Maryland and also a Trustee of Gallaudet University. He is a recipient of the Chang-Lin Tien Award from the Asian Pacific Fund, given for leadership in higher education.
Booksigning and reception to follow;
Sponsored by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Grant

Monday, October 27th
4:30pm – Adamson Wing Auditorium, 136A Baker Hall
Bill Reinert, Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Mobility in the 21st Century: Challenges and Promises
Bill Reinert is National Manager of Advanced Technology for Toyota Motor Sales, USA. His primary function is to coordinate Toyota’s various research, development and marketing activities related to alternative-fueled vehicles and emerging technologies. He is currently working on several advanced hybrid electric products, direct hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, reformed fuel approaches for hydrogen, full-featured electric vehicles, city electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid concepts, ethanol fuels and sustainable transportation systems.

Thursday, October 30th
JOURNEYS LECTURE
4:30pm – McConomy Auditorium, UC
Mary Catherine Bateson, Writer and cultural anthropologist; Robinson Professor Emerita, George Mason University; President, Institute for Intercultural Studies; Author of “Composing a Life”
The Changing Shapes of Lives
Just as an extended childhood made possible the human pattern of learning and transmitted knowledge and tradition, extended longevity suggests profound changes for our species. Some of these changes can be recognized in the study of individual lives that are often longer and more diverse than in the past and that depend on continuing learning.
We will need to rethink education from the earliest years and to restructure the relations between generations. At the same time, we need to think differently about time, to prepare for surprises, and to fashion a new rhetoric of hope and responsibility.
Booksigning to follow lecture.


Fri day, October 31st to November
WEEKEND SHORT COURSE (99-331)
India Today: Industry, Innovation and Education
5 pm Friday to 1 PM Sunday – Porter Hall 100