FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 16, 2011

MUW’s Gordy Honors College Forum Series announces fall schedule

COLUMBUS, Miss. -- The Gordy Honors College Forum Series recently opened on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. The Forum Series continues through November presenting lectures and undergraduate research.

Dr. Thomas G. Velek, director of the Ina E. Gordy Honors College, is pleased that the Forum Series continues to be one of the premier lecture series in the state. The series strives to offer dynamic and stimulating presentations for the MUW campus and the Columbus community as a whole.

The series opened on the 18th with a discussion of study abroad opportunities. Dr. Velek discussed the importance of study abroad in the 21st century. Opportunities for study abroad were also presented.

On Sept. 1st, author Dr. Michael Smith will be reading from his recently published book “The Hands of Strangers.”  The book examines what happens when parents must face the nightmare of a child that has gone missing. Becky Hagenston's review described the book as "a page-turner that will make you want to slow down to savor the writing and stay with these characters longer." "The Hands of Strangers" will be for sale and the author will be available to sign copies.

On Sept. 15th, Dr. Erin Kempker will present: "Twisted Sisters: Feminists and Conservatives on the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s.”  The presentation marks Constitution Day. On Sept. 29th, Dr. Deborah Miranda will speak on the topic "Men, Nursing & Masculinity.”

On Oct. 13th, Dr. Terry Equaoje presents “My Real ‘Coming to America’ Story.” Originally from Nigeria, Equaoje will speak on the real life story of an immigrant to America.  “I remember seeing the Eddie Murphy movie “Coming to America”, and I thought that the real story was more fascinating. Immigration is a hot topic today in America, but one that is not always understood,” noted Equaoje, who is the technical director for the Mississippi Soccer Association. His presentation is co-sponsored by the Columbus United Soccer Club.

The Forum Series concludes on Nov. 3rd and 10th with the Honors College’s Fall Research Symposiums. The events showcase the undergraduate research of MUW seniors who are working on honors research projects. On the 3rd, a poster session will be presented by students midway through projects. On the 10th, final research presentations will be made. 

“It is exciting that we have so many students doing undergraduate research that we have had to expand this to two evenings” said Dr. Velek.

All presentations are at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium and free and open to the public. Speakers are available after to meet and greet members of the audience. For further information or to reserve group seating, contact Dr. Velek at tvelek@as.muw.edu or (662) 241-6850.