TOPIC: Immigration and Charlotte: What does it mean to be a "Welcoming City?" SPEAKER: Dr. Maggie Commins, Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte's population is growing and changing. We are often told that over 150 people move to the region every day. What you may not have heard is that Charlotte attracts people from around the…
TOPIC: Is Classical Music Irrelevant? SPEAKER: James Meena, Conductor; Founder & President, Charlotte Lyric Theatre In this presentation, we posit that the preponderance of entertainment, immediate gratification on all levels, shortened attention spans have made classical music irrelevant to modern society. BIOGRAPHY Maestro James Meena is a musical entrepreneur. His 50year career in classical…
TOPIC: Our Birds SPEAKER: Dr. Steve Coggin, Emeritus Professor of Biology, Catawba College Mecklenburg County is home to more than 300 species of birds but we share many of these birds with other people far from here. This presentation will explore the phenomenon of bird watching and birds that are in our yards, parks and…
TOPIC: Higher Education and the Public Good SPEAKER: Christopher Marsicano, Davidson College Higher education institutions face a series of significant challenges. With the advent of artificial intelligence, rising tuition prices, shifting job markets, political polarization, and growing skepticism, higher education is facing a deep crisis of purpose. Yet beyond granting degrees, colleges and universities fuel…
TOPIC: The State of the River SPEAKER: Brandon Jones, Riverkeeper, Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation The Catawba River is the lifeblood of our region, providing drinking water, electricity, agricultural irrigation, and recreation. Riverkeeper Brandon Jones discusses the greatest threats to this critical resource and the opportunities for protecting it. BIOGRAPHY Jones received his M.S. in Earth…
TOPIC: Learning from the Past to Lead Better in the Future SPEAKER: Pat McCrory, Former NC Governor and Charlotte Mayor Leadership examples on major decisions made in Charlotte and NC. BIOGRAPHY Mayor of Charlotte: 1995-2009 Governor of NC: 2013-2017 NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom…
TOPIC: Voices of Revolutionary War Teenagers SPEAKER: Dr. Tony Zeiss, President Emeritus, CPCC and Founding Executive Director of the Museum of the Bible This presentation is an informative and inspiring experience with with the contribution of young people in the Revolutionary War. BIOGRAPHY President, Pueblo Community College, Pueblo, Colorado 1985-92. President, Central Piedmont Community college,…
TOPIC: The Holocaust Museum of the Carolinas: Background, Progress, and Vision SPEAKER: Judy LaPietra, Executive Director, The Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center This presentation examines the development of the Holocaust Museum of the Carolinas, exploring the historical, educational, and civic vision that has guided its creation. Attendees will gain insight into the museum's origins, its…