Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Wilmington, N.C. - UNCW Presents announces its 2006-07 Leadership Lecture Series schedule. Featuring distinguished speakers that cross disciplinary boundaries, the series will explore the political, cultural, and economic issues relevant today, and more specifically address issues of science, globalization, and social responsibility. Lectures are Mondays at 7 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium, unless otherwise noted, and are followed by a question and answer period and book signing.

Zana Briski, Monday, September 18
Born Into Brothels, Film Screening at 5:15 p.m. and lecture to follow at 7 p.m.
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Zana Briski will present a screening and discussion of her film, Born Into Brothels. An Oscar winner for Best Documentary, it chronicles the transformation of children born to prostitutes in the red-light district of Calcutta, as Briski teaches them the art and power of photographing their world. Co-sponsored by Women's Resource Center and Film Studies.

Carlos Fuentes, Monday, November 6
Globalization: A New Deal for a New Age
Prominent author and Mexican statesman Carlos Fuentes is one of Latin America's most distinguished novelists and a one-man international cultural and political force. Few Latin American writers have such an intimate knowledge of Americans or see the American/Latin American cultural dynamic with the great depth of vision that Fuentes possesses. Known for such praised novels as The Old Gringo and Terra Nostra, Fuentes has garnered acclaim from both Mexican and American critics. A recipient of the National Prize in Literature, Mexico's greatest literary achievement, Fuentes is one of the most recognized political figures of the Spanish-speaking world. Co-sponsored by Office of Campus Diversity and Centro Hispano.

Charles Fishman, Monday, February 19
The Wal-Mart Effect
Ninety percent of Americans live within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart, and 93 percent of U.S. households shop at one at least once a year. Award-winning journalist Charles Fishman discusses The Wal-Mart Effect, from his critically acclaimed book. Fishman has schlepped through more than a hundred Wal-Marts in 23 states, trying to chart the nearly unfathomable influence of the retail behemoth Americans have learned to love, hate or take for granted. Co-presented with Student Media.

Edward O. Wilson, Monday, March 19
The Future of Life
Edward O. Wilson, known as "The Father of Biodiversity," will share his views on the status of the biosphere and his plan to save the Earth's biological heritage based on his book The Future of Life. A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Wilson is thought to be one of the greatest living scientists in the world, having made considerable contributions to the fields of animal behavior, biodiversity, conservation, entomology, environmental ethics, evolutionary psychology, island biogeography, myrmecology, and the philosophy of knowledge. Co-presented with the Honors Scholars Spring Lecture Series.

Complementary events are scheduled for each speaker when possible and include pre-recorded television interviews on UNCW TV, book signings, discussion panels and film screenings on related issues. For a schedule of activities and more information, visit www.uncw.edu/presents.

Box Office and Ticket Information
Tickets are $7 for the public and free for UNCW students, faculty and staff. For tickets, call Kenan Box Office at 962.3500 or 800.732.3643 outside of the Wilmington area. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. To request a season brochure, telephone UNCW Presents at 910.962.7971 or visit www.uncw.edu/presents.

About UNCW Leadership Lecture Series
The Leadership Lecture Series invites nationally and internationally-known speakers who enlighten, challenge, inspire, and demonstrate that all people have the ability to lead if they have the desire to make a difference. Sponsored by UNCW Presents, the series serves as a forum for intellectual inquiry and discussion offering the campus and community opportunities to discuss and explore the political, cultural, and economic trends and issues that shape and affect our communities today. By inviting a speaker to the campus, the university does not endorse any particular position. For more information about the series, please visit www.uncw.edu/presents.

Media Contact: Shannon Hooker,910.962.7600, hookers@uncw.edu

Attention: Editors for Arts, Entertainment, Features, Travel & Tourism, Event Calendars - Color photography of 2006-07 speakers may be downloaded at www.uncw.edu/stuaff/activities/UNCWPresents/about-presskit.htm