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Speakers lined up for Lecture Series

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Four University Lecture Series programs featuring five speakers of national prominence are scheduled this spring at Fresno State:

Aimee Mullins, a scholar, model, actress and double amputee track star, will speak on "Lessons I've Learned" on Feb. 5. Mullins was born without fibula bones in both shins and had both feet amputated when she was a year old. Always courageous and determined, she wore artificial limbs and enjoyed softball, hiking and swimming. She was one of three students nationwide chosen to receive a full academic scholarship by the U.S. Defense Department. She used it to attend Georgetown University, where she ran track, making her the only disabled member of a NCAA Division I track team. She was named as one of Parade Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" in 1999.

Lois Burdett, a teacher and author, will present "Shakespeare Can Be Fun" on March 11. A recipient of the 1996 Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal and the Encyclopedia Britannica's National Award for Early Childhood Education, Lois Burdett's work has captured the imagination of parents and educators around the world. Lois is currently teaching a grade two class at Hamlet Public School, in Stratford.

Journalist Helen Thomas, who has reported on every American president for the last 40 years, will speak on "From Kennedy to Bush" on March 19. Thomas began covering President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as a member of the United Press International team. It was during this first White House assignment that she began closing presidential press conferences with "Thank you, Mr. President."

Aram Saroyan and John Densmore, on April 16, presenting "Poetry and Percussion."Celebrated poet and writer Saroyan (son of author William Saroyan) and legendary Doors drummer Densmore work side-by-side in this unique blending of poetry and music, voice and percussion. Drawing on the whole span of Saroyan's work, from his controversial minimalist work to his later longer poems, and utilizing Densmore's unique fluency on percussion instruments from around the world.

University Lecture Series tickets are sold in advance in the University Student Union Information Center.

Back to University Journal, 1/21/02 Issue