Tuesday, September 18, “Singapore: Challenging Our Perceptions of Development"
Thomas Beech, Associate Professor Political Science, Bemidji State University
Since its separation from Malaysia in 1965, Singapore has achieved spectacular economic growth, moving from a rough equal to sub-equatorial Africa to wealthier than its erstwhile colonial master. Yet, this economic gain has occurred in the absence of a competitive political system, which is at variance with traditional Western assumptions of development. I will discuss the evolution of this city-state and speculate on the potential relevance for other developing countries.
Tuesday, September 25, “Views From a Camel”
Ernie and Patt Rall and Betty Hanson, Academy of Lifelong Learning Board Members and world travelers
This session will be a travelogue from a trip to Egypt and Jordan in March 2007 with many pictures, anecdotes and personal observations. As part of a group of travelers from Bemidji, our presenters promise to entertain and educate on ancient civilizations and today's life in these two countries.
Tuesday, October 2, “Learning through ethnic literacy”
Virgil Benoit, Associate Professor French, University of North Dakota in Grand Forks
Ethnic literacy will be illustrated by a creative story from the life of Antoine Gingras, ND’s most successful early entrepreneur and ox cart freighter. The second part of the talk will be a reflexion on the role that ethnic based learning can have on civil development as drawn from over 25 years of research and field work in MN and ND.
Tuesday, October 9 “Generation What's Next”
Dr. Jon Quistgaard, President, Bemidji State University
The responsibility of the University is to continuously anticipate change and shape the future of the nation's next greatest generation. Who is generation next? Are they really all that different? What do they expect? What must we provide?
Tuesday, October 16 Das BioHaus at Waldsee – Saving 85% on energy bills in Northern Minnesota
Warren Schulze, J.D., Assistant. Director of Facilities, Concordia Language Villages
The BioHaus was built to demonstrate cutting edge technologies that address rising energy costs and operating with minimal impact on the environment. The Concordia Language Villages uses the BioHaus for teaching youth about environmental issues and immersion in the German language. It is the only building of its kind in North America to be officially certified by the German Passive Haus Institute.
Tuesday, October 23 Bus Trip, Plains Indian Museum
The Plains Art Museum (www.plainsart.org ) features national and regional contemporary art, traditional American Indian art, and traditional folk art. Special exhibits include photographs of Wayne Gudmundson and a showcase of student interactive artwork. The cost of this event is $35.00, which covers transportation, lunch, and the tour. Contact Sharon Fruetel at sfruetel@paulbunyan.net or 218 751 3146 for more information and to register.
Tuesday, October 30 “Lessons from Hardin's 'Tragedy of the Commons' in a local context: Beltrami County lakes and rivers”
Dann Siems, Aquatic Biologist, Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District; Adjunct Professor of Integrative Studies at Bemidji State UniversityIn the nearly four decades that have passed since Garrett Hardin published his landmark essay, earth's human population has swelled from 3.5 to 6.6 billion. On a more local scale, MN’s population increased from 3.5 million to 5.3 million; Beltrami County grew from 26,000 to 45,000 and is projected to reach 60,000 within 30 years. Our ever expanding population dramatically increases developmental pressures on our local lakes and streams. We will explore the choices we face in coming years and the consequences of our collective decisions.
Tuesday, November 6 Answering the Call for Help in Times of Disaster
Cynthia D. Schulze, M.S.
Cynthia has served as a Mental Health team volunteer for the American Red Cross in several individual, area and national disaster operations. She will explain how disaster assistance is quickly mobilized and coordinated by an ever changing army of volunteers across the country, within the Red Cross, and between various agencies. Cynthia will give us a peek behind the scenes to put a face on those who serve and those who are served. |
