BEMIDJI, Minn. — Topics ranging from the ethics involved in the medical decision-making process to background information on the federally mandated Guardian ad Litem Program will be covered during the eight-week Academy of Lifelong Learning lecture series scheduled this spring in Bemidji.

Open to the public at no charge, the 90-minute lectures focus on the humanities and are coordinated by the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation. The sessions begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the center’s off-campus facility located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North.

The complete spring lineup features lectures on consecutive Tuesdays starting March 10.

• March 10, outline of cultural differences between France and the United States; Francois Fouquerel, dean of French Year Round Program and Voyageur of Concordia Language Villages.
• March 17, how to be a grandparent to an autistic child; Dr. John Parkin, pediatrician, Meritcare Clinic of Bemidji.
• March 24, explanation of the federal program that mandates the appointment of a guardian ad litem to every abused and neglected child who comes before the court; Traci Seelye, manager of the Ninth Judicial District’s guardian ad leitem program in Grand Rapids, Minn.
• March 31, discussion of the Red Lake Tribal Information Center, Archives and Library; Jody Beaulieu, Tribal Council secretary and former director of the Red Lake Nation Archives and Library.
• April 7, roots of conflict in the Middle East; Dr. Mary Jo Hrenchir, associate professor of history, Bemidji State University.
• April 14, delineation of the ethics affecting the prioritization and decision making processes for medical questions; Mark Papke-Larson, North Country Regional Hospital chaplain.
• April 21, review of the work done by area residents during an annual Rotary-sponsored trip to the Honduras to provide medical, dental and construction assistance; Chris Keenan, Bemidji small business owner.
• April 28, overview of the post-World War II Nurnberg Trials; Dr. Art Lee, professor emeritus of history, Bemidji State University.

The Academy of Lifelong Learning offers humanities-based programs that are made possible in part with private donations and BSU support.

Formed in 1997, the Center for Research and Innovation is an off-campus facility operated by Bemidji State University to assist businesses, organizations and individuals in gaining new knowledge, achieving applied experience, and improving successes. The CRI annually serves more than 2500 individuals and 400 businesses by providing corporate and custom training, delivering non-credit online learning, creating multimedia solutions, offering strategic organizational development, and coordinating regular informational programs in such areas as natural resources and work safety.

Individuals who wish to be added to the ALL mailing list or have questions about this program should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; email, cri@bemidjistate.edu; or at http://www.cri-bsu.org.