Date: August 1, 2011
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

Sinai Forum Presented by Purdue North Central 2011 Season

 

Torie Clarke Nomi Prins Andy Buchsbaum Wayne Messmer

The 58 th season of the Purdue University North Central Sinai Forum will open on Sept. 18 at 3 p.m. at Elston Middle School, 317 Detroit St., in Michigan City. The Forum will continue with the practice established last year of beginning all programs promptly at 3 p.m.

The 2011 Forum season again features a line-up of renowned speakers who will enlighten, inform, entertain and engage the audience. The Forum audiences will hear from the “front lines” of waging war – and revolutions – from the ground up, in the age of hyper–connectivity. Anger doesn't seem to be abating about Wall Street's role in the recent recession and a financial expert and journalist will help sort out what needs to be changed and how quickly. Serious challenges to the fragile ecosystem and threats to the health of Lake Michigan, our region's beloved and critical resource, will be examined. The season will end with the inspirational story of survival from an icon of Chicago sports broadcasting, the Voice of the Chicago Cubs. Count on a rousing finale to a season that takes on world, regional and personal challenges.

On Sept. 18, the 2011Forum Season opens with Torie Clarke addressing, “Twitter vs. Tanks: Who Wins in the 21 st Century?” A former assistant secretary of Defense, communications expert, author and lecturer, Clarke provides insight into how the increasing popularity of social networking and cyberspace communications impact the way all types of battles are organized and fought. Merging her unique public and private sector service into this provocative program, she will share information on what the new age of 24/7 communication means to political, business and social interactions.

On Oct. 16, Nomi Prins will present, “Getting it Straight: Economic Revision Time.” Prins, a former managing director of Goldman Sachs, is an author and journalist. She exposes the fundamental follies of the economic system and the schemes of those who have no intention of letting it change. For those who feel enraged and frustrated with how the bank bailout went bust for the American people, or how Wall Street continues to operate, Prins will provide a deeper understanding of the situation and how to fight for some real change.

Nov. 6 will feature Andy Buchsbaum discussing “How Healthy is Lake Michigan?” The executive director of the National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes Regional Center will explore the condition of this natural resource that is so vital to the health and wellbeing of this area. Among the topics he will explore are whether the lake water supply is at risk due to the encroachment of Asian carp and other species and how the prospect of increased shipping throughout The Great Lakes may impact the beauty and recreational value of Lake Michigan.

This program is sponsored by the Duneland Health Council.

On Dec. 11 the season will conclude with “An Afternoon with Wayne Messmer.” For decades, Wayne Messmer has been known as the voice of the Chicago Cubs and other professional sports teams. His renditions of our national anthem, sports commentary and countless voice-over and narration spots have made his voice one of the most recognized in the country. One tragic moment in time put not only his life, but the way he lived his life, in peril. This promises to be a stirring program of personal journey to medical, emotional and spiritual recovery.

This program is sponsored by Horizon Bank.

The 2011 season is sponsored by the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Hospitals, including Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Michigan City and Crown Point, Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Dyer and Hammond, and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

Season subscription tickets are: $75 for regular tickets and $150 for patron tickets. Any student with a valid ID will be admitted free.

Tickets can be purchased in person with cash or check at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. Second St., Michigan City; Kabelin Hardware, 512 Andrew Ave., LaPorte; The PNC Advancement Office on the Westville Campus and at PNC - Porter County Undergraduate Center, 600 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso. Tickets can be purchased via credit card at www.sinaiforum.org .

Additional information about the Purdue University North Central Sinai Forum is available at www.sinaiforum.org .

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