FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: January 31, 2003
Contact:
Mary Caroline Mitchell, 206-7395
SPRINGFIELD
– The University of Illinois Alumni Association at UIS will sponsor A Taste of
UIS: Distinguished Faculty/Alumni Lunchtime Lectures, a series of four monthly
presentations to be held at Maldaner’s Upstairs, 222 South Sixth St.,
Springfield. The programs are open to the public; however reservations are
required.
On Wednesday, February 19, in observance of Black History Month, Vibert White, Jr., associate professor of African American Studies, will make a presentation on the New Philadelphia Project. Located in Pike County, New Philadelphia was the first village in the United States to be incorporated by a black man, Francis “Free Frank” McWorter, who came to Pike County in 1831. White is working with members of the New Philadelphia Project to further archeological research and raise national awareness of the site.
On Wednesday, March 19, Delinda
A. Chapman, UIS alumna and AAUW representative to the ERA Illinois Campaign,
will address “ERA in Illinois: Past, Present, and Future?” Although women have
made great strides since the 1920s when the Equal Rights Amendment was first
introduced in Congress, the fact that it has not yet been ratified in the
United States, or in Illinois, is significant. Still three states short of the
required number, is ratification a real possibility? Is there a need for the Equal Rights Amendment in the 21st
century? Chapman’s presentation will include a refresher course in the history
of the ERA and plans for ratification in Illinois.
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On Wednesday, April 23, Hei-Chi
Chan, assistant professor of Mathematical Sciences, will speak on “Fascinating
Physics in Simple Terms.” In the last century, physicists made many striking
discoveries about nature and, contrary to what many think, the ideas behind a
number of them are stunning in their simplicity. Chan will discuss some of
these developments in layman’s terms, sharing the joy and excitement that comes
from finding out how nature works.
On Wednesday, May 21, Charles
Schweighauser, professor of Astronomy and Physics, will discuss “What’s New in
the Solar System.” Recent satellite exploration has brought scientists a great
amount of detailed information that has added to and changed ideas about the
solar system. Schweighauser will present some of the latest discoveries using
both lecture and slides.
Each of these programs includes a hot
buffet lunch that begins at 11:45 a.m.
Presentations begin at 12:10 p.m. and, along with the accompanying
question-and-answer session, are over by 12:50 p.m. (Those who have the time
are welcome to linger for more discussion.)
Cost for each program is $18 per person,
$13 for Alumni Association members and their guests. Reservations should be
made no later than one week prior to each lecture. To make reservations for any
of these programs, call Alumni Relations at (217) 206-7395 or e-mail alumni@uis.edu.
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