Lecture series offers diverse lineup of professionals
The New Albany Community Foundation in its ongoing mission to promote life-long learning is lining up a diverse group of speakers for the 202122 lecture series.
Retired soccer player Abby Wambach, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA world champion, will talk about health and wellness Feb. 10 at the Jeanne B. Mccoy Community Center for the Arts.
“The feedback has been overall positive for the series, and I believe it will continue to be,” said Craig Mohre, president of the New Albany Community Foundation.
Tickets, on sale at newalbanyfoundation.org, are $40 for main-floor seats, $35 for balcony seats and $10 for military, senior citizens, students and teachers for main-floor and balcony seats.
All remaining events will start at 7 p.m. in the center. Last year, the series was held entirely remotely.
On March 10, H.R. Mcmaster, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who served as national security adviser under President Donald J. Trump, will be joined on stage by Mary Louise Kelly, cohost of “All Things Considered” on National Public Radio, to discuss national security.
On April 6, Robert Reich, labor secretary under President Bill Clinton, and Karl Rove, deputy chief of staff for President George W. Bush, will debate.
“They’re moderated, and they cover a
lot of subjects,” Mohre said of the debate presentations.
Last year, the lecture series was held remotely, and audience members could submit questions virtually, he said.
“The idea is they can debate spirited and passionately and present different points of view but in a respectful, civil way,” Mohre said.
Isabel Wilkerson, a bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner in journalism, kicked off the series in October with a virtual visit, speaking on issues involving social justice.
Mohre said the lecture series always has been thought-provoking, with discussions based on timely and, at times, uncomfortable but important topics.
Even in this politically charged time in America, audience members don’t let their emotions get away from them, he said.
“I think most people are openminded,” he said. “We don’t try to steer it one way or the other. We try to present the information and let people make up their own minds.”
Mohre said many of the speaks have taken their time to visit with the local schools or do remote teleconferences with students.
Students have had the opportunity to submit questions based on the books they have read from guest speakers, such as Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, author and actress Margaret Trudeau (Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau’s mother), actress Glenn Close, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and David Axelrod, senior adviser to President Barack Obama.
“New Albany High School is grateful to the New Albany Community Foundation for affording these opportunities to our students,” NAHS principal
Ken Kraemer said. “They have had the opportunity to learn about a number of issues that will help shape their future as student leaders, scholars and thoughtful citizens.
“These include but are not limited to, mental health and wellness, civil discourse, leadership and substanceabuse prevention.”
The speaker series promotes objectives that are important to many residents and local organizations, said Patrick Losinski, CEO of Columbus Metropolitan Library.
“At Columbus Metropolitan Library, our vision is a thriving community where wisdom prevails,” Losinski said. “Because the New Albany Community Foundation connects our young minds to world-class speakers discussing topics that have the power to shape their future, we’re much closer to achieving that vision.” gseman@thisweeknews.com @Thisweekgary