BEMIDJI, Minn. – Seven presentations are scheduled for this fall’s Academy of Lifelong Learning lecture series, coordinated by the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation.

Speakers for the fall lecture series include Bemidji State Professor Emeritus of Political Science Dr. Alexander Nadeson and current faculty Barb Hanus, assistant professor of technological studies, Mary Hrenchir, associate professor of history and Pat Donnay, professor of political science.

“We have again put together varied and interesting presentations, from the impact of Islam in Southeast Asia to the current trends and recent changes seen in the public library system,” said Ernie Rall, chairman of the ALL board. “In addition to the obvious social benefits of attending the lectures, stimulation from learning new things helps people keep their minds active.”

The sessions begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the CRI, located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North, with the exception of the Sept. 30 meeting in Bridgeman Hall on the Bemidji State campus.

The complete fall lineup includes presentations on consecutive Tuesdays starting Sept. 23. ALL lectures are free of charge and open to the public.

2008 ALL Fall Lecture Series
• Sept. 23 — “Indonesia: Religion and Culture in Southeast Asia”
Dr. Alex Nadeson, Bemidji State professor emeritus of political science, presents an examination of the fall of the Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms in Indonesia as well as the rise of Islam and its impact through the country.

• Sept. 30 – “Understanding the World of 3D Stereoscopic Imaging”
Barbara Hanus, assistant professor and coordinator of the Design Technology Program at Bemidji State, presents a demonstration of new technology that is moving 3D stereoscopic imaging to the standard in visual communication. This lecture will be held in room 100 in Bridgeman Hall on the Bemidji State University campus.

• Oct. 7 – “Minnesota – 150 Years Ago a State is Born”
Michael Hansen, retired history teacher and expert on Minnesota history, will lecture on the different groups of people, industries and problems of Minnesota as a new state on the U.S. western frontier.

• Oct. 14 – “The Children’s Crusade and its Place in History: Fact or Fiction”
Dr. Mary Hrenchir, associate professor of history at Bemidji State, presents a description of the curious attempts to free the Holy Land during the mysterious Children’s Crusade, an event in 1212 inspired by the vision of two boys.

• Oct. 21 – “America’s Other Election Battle: the Fight for Control of Congress”
Dr. Pat Donnay, Bemidji State professor of political science, will discuss the processes, strategies, tactics and operatives at work in the struggle by main political parties to enhance their congressional position.

• Oct. 28 – “The Bemidji Library is More than Books”
Paul Ericsson, branch manager of the Bemidji Public Library, presents an exploration of how changes in public libraries across the United States affect the day-to-day operations and strategic planning of the local library.

• Nov. 4 – “Solid Waste Recycling and Recycling Outcomes”
Bill Patnaude, Beltrami Environmental Services Coordinator, and Denny Hanselman, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, present a review of the processes involved in the collection of solid waste and its ensuing recycling program.

The ALL lecture series is made possible in part through private donations and support from Bemidji State University. More information is available by contacting the Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900 or by visiting it at http://www.cri-bsu.org.