August 20, 2003

Renaissance Society to host fall season of campus forums

The Renaissance Society, California State University, Sacramento’s learning-in-retirement organization, will once again offer a series of free Friday afternoon forums this fall. The on-campus events will feature speakers on the arts, politics, health care and more. All forums begin at 3 p.m.

On Sept. 12 Gary Hart, former legislator and founder of the CSUS Institute of Education Reform, will talk about “The Status of Public Education in California” in Mendocino 1003. Sacramento attorney and CSUS adjunct faculty member Steve Robbins will talk about “Privacy and the American Patriot Act” Sept. 19 in the University Union Redwood Room. And CSUS English professor and distant relative of Mark Twain Mary Mackey will discuss the process of writing her new comic novel The Stand In during her talk “Mark Twain, Samuel Clemens and Me” on Sept. 26 in the University Library Gallery.

On Oct. 3, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East will be the topic of CSUS government professor William A. Dorman’s talk “How Have U.S. Foreign Policies Fared Since the Iraq War?” in the University Union Redwood Room. On Oct. 10 Sacramento Choral Society president James McCormick will speak on “The Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra: In Concert with the Community” in the University Union Redwood Room.

Sacramento Bee reporter Stuart Leavenworth will discuss his award-winning series of articles in “’Liquid Assets’: A Look at the Growing Market for Water as California’s Population Booms and Shortages Become More Common” on Oct. 17 in the University Union Redwood Room. Sacramento Theatre Company artistic director Peggy Shannon will speak on “Live Theatre at Its Best: The Sacramento Theatre Company” on Oct. 24 in the University Union Redwood Room.

“Elder Abuse and Other Serious Issues Facing Residents in California Long-Term Care Facilities” will be the topic of an Oct. 31 session in the University Union Hinde Auditorium by Joan S. Parks. She is the manager of ombudsman services for more than 20,000 long-term care residents in eight Northern California counties.

CSUS humanities professor Richard Shek will speak on “Friend or Foe? China in the 21st Century” on Nov. 7 in the University Union Redwood Room. Legislative budget analyst Elizabeth G. Hill will present “Let’s Analyze the Budget” on Nov. 14 in the University Union Redwood Room. And on Nov. 21 physician David H. Lehman explains why “There’s Poetry in Medicine” in the University Union Redwood Room.

CSUS communication studies professor Donald S. Taylor will discuss “How Does Africa View U.S. Foreign Policy?” on Dec. 5 at a location to be determined. The season will close with “Bits of Broadway” presented by CSUS musical theatre director and choreographer Edward Brazo on Dec. 12 in the University Union Redwood Room.

In addition to the public forums, the Renaissance Society offers members a number of classes, seminars and excursions. The group’s annual membership information meeting, the Renaissance Rendezvous, will be on Aug. 29 in the University Union Redwood Room. Dues are $60, which includes a special parking pass for the academic year. Members can also obtain an annual library card for $5. More information is available at (916) 278-7834 or by e-mailing rensoc@csus.edu.

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