Bangor Daily News, Thursday, February 1, 2007

College launches new lecture series

BY TOM GROENING

OF THE NEWS STAFF

UNITY -- A series of lectures focusing on inspiring environmental stories sponsored by Unity College is open to the public at the  Unity Centre for the Performing Arts.

     The Lapping Lecture Series was organized as part of an academic course, professor Chris Beach said, but it is also open to the general public at no charge.  The college took over control of the performing arts center at 49 Depot St. last year, with such outreach opportunities in mind.

     Seventy-five students will attend each lecture, but the auditorium can seat 200, leaving plenty of seats for the public.

     The lectures are scheduled for each Wednesday evening, except for two weeks in March with students are on Spring break.

     "The theme of the lectures is inspiration and environmental awareness," explained Beach, who helped organize the series with other instructors.

     "What we're trying to do is connect the individual [speakers] with what inspired them," he said.  Rather than focus on the state of the environment, the lectures tend to look at the constructive or enlightening side of the subject, Beach said. 

     "There's a lot of good things happening," he said.

     The center opens at 5:30 p.m., allowing visitors to enjoy the art gallery or have a cup of coffee or tea and a snack.  The lectures begin promptly at 6 p.m., and end at 7 p.m., he said.

     The series is named in honor of Dr. Mark Lapping, former interim president of Unity College and distinguished professor at the University of Southern Maine.

     The scheduled lectures are:

     Feb. 7 -- "Theology of Ecological Identity," Constance Lasher, director of theology and environmental studies at St. Joseph's College.

     Feb. 14 -- "Travel and Discovery," Vanessa Paulman, director of international studies office, Hampshire College.

     Feb. 21 -- "Intelligent Animals We Can Learn From," Sy Montgomery, investigative journalist and author.

     Feb. 28 -- "Sustainability Through Community," Dr. David Oakes, executive director, Center for Ecological Learning and

                       Living

     March 7 -- "The Biodiversity Imperative," Dr. Amy Arnett, Associate Professor, Unity College.

     March 28 -- "Women Explorers (We Lead Awards)," Milbry Polk, explorer and photojournalist.

     April 4 -- "Saving Maine," Alan Hutchinson, executive director, Forest Society of Maine.

     April 11 -- "Wilderness is for Everyone," Dudley Edmondson, outdoor adventurer and photographer.

     April 18 -- "Cultivating Hope (Earth Week)," Deb Habib, director, Seeds of Solidarity.

     April 25 -- "The Next Leaders," inspired Unity College students.

     May 2 -- "Bringing the Biosphere Home," Dr. Mitchell Thomashow, president, Unity College