September 23, 2002

Free public forums for seniors

The Renaissance Society, a learning-in-retirement organization sponsored by California State University, Sacramento, hosts a series of free public forums on topics of interest to seniors on Friday afternoons through December. The forums are held from 3 - 4 p.m. in Mendocino Hall 1003.

October's forum start Oct. 4 with "CSUS Aquatic Center: A Splash for Nearly 20 Years," with Craig Perez, CSUS director of development for the CSUS Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Center - which is a co-managed by the University, Associated Students, the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the California Department of Boating and Waterways - has been providing the community with water-based education since 1981. It also serves as a certified state boating center and was selected as a rowing venue in the Bay Area's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.

On Oct. 11, CSUS philosophy professor Stanislaus Dundon presents "The Risk and Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods and Feeds." Dundon is a long-time educator on ethical issues regarding agriculture and agricultural products. He will discuss the issues surrounding the production of food and feeds made from genetically modified organisms and the regulatory process surrounding them.

Author and CSUS professor of counselor education Lynn Wilcox will talk about her book "Women and the Holy Qur'an: A Sufi Perspective" at the Oct. 18 forum. Wilcox is a marriage and family therapist with a background in Islam.

On Oct. 25 Sacramento Bee columnist Diana Griego Erwin will discuss journalism and philosophies. Her talk, "Creating a Sense Of Community: Stories About the Kind of People We Are," is about how a news column can introduce readers to people, places and ways of thinking that allow them to gain a deeper sense of community.

The Renaissance Society also hosts a series of seminars throughout the fall that include morning and afternoon events located on and off campus. The seminars included Tai Chi, Theatre for Fun, Macintosh Computer Skills, Conversational French and Spanish, Social Bridge and many other topics.

For more information about the Renaissance Society call (916) 278-7834. Additional media assistance is available by contacting CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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