FIELDSPEAKERSCATALOG

WHEN AND HOW TO REQUEST A SPEAKER

All speaker requests should be made through the Alumni & Field Relations Office.

• Begin planning for your event at least four to six months in advance. Please review this catalog to see the available speakers and topics. Many speakers offer multiple presentations.

• Discuss speaker choices and possible dates with your Club Board to get input and build interest and involvement.• Contact the Alumni & Field Relations Office by phone at 800.218.7746 or via e-mail at field@principia.edu

with your choice of speaker(s), topic(s), and date(s). Make sure you have checked your local calendar to avoid school vacations, community or sporting events, local church activities, holidays, DiscoveryBound events, etc.

Hosting a Principia Club speaker program allows you to provide club members, guests, and other friends with interesting, inspiring, and timely information on a topic of your club’s choosing. It also highlights the quality of Principia’s faculty and alumni as well as the value of a Principia education.

PRINCIPIA CLUBS PAY FOR THESE COSTS:

• Hall rental or other expenses charged by the venue• 50 percent of the postage cost for mailing invitations• Refreshments• Speaker’s airfare, travel, and housing expenses (The club will be billed on its Principia account.)

PRINCIPIA PAYS FOR THESE COSTS:

• Speaker’s honorarium• 100 percent of the cost of printing invitations • 50 percent of the postage cost for mailing invitations

LOCATION OF YOUR EVENT

When choosing your location, please keep your speaker’s presentation needs in mind. Each speaker has included a prop list and/or special arrangements required for his or her talk(s) that could impact your choice of location.

COSTS

Your club’s speaker program should be self-supporting, with estimated expenses covered by an admission charge. Speaker programs are not meant to be fundraisers or profit-making events for your club. The aim is always to inform and inspire audiences at a reasonable cost while showcasing the excellent education Principia offers.

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

HOWARD BAY*Far-Fetched in the Wild West *NEWTALK

Mrs. Eddy Mentioned Them

Mrs. Eddy Quoted Them

Mrs. Eddy’s Place in America’s Timeline

“There You Go Again”: Reagan in Retrospect

CLARK BEIM-ESCHEMeet Mark Twain

The Presidents at Home

Thomas Paine’s Uncommon Common Sense

DR. COLIN CAMPBELL The Christian Science Textbook as a Work of Art

DR. DAVID CORNELL

What Is the Universe Made Of?

DR. SCOTT ECKERT* Global Wanderings of a Living Dinosaur

RICH EISENAUER* Hollywood and History

“Post the Colors”: A Concise History of Flags

of the World *NEWTALK

Shoot the Messenger: Political Cartoons

DR. TOM FULLER* “All Nature Teaches God’s Love to Man”

Everyday Infinity

Science and Christianity: Two Sides of the Same Coin

MARGIE HAMLINLoving Our World or “Roho haina kabila” (Swahili for “The heart has no tribe”)

A Vietnamese Odyssey

LIBBY HOFFMAN Forgiving the Unforgivable

DR. MARIE JUREIT-BEAMISH Beethoven: A Man of Remarkable Courage

Franz Liszt: The King of the Piano—A Celebration

of His 200th Year

Our Favorite Chopin

The Piano Music I Love

A Song of Love

Talks with Great Composers

(with an optional one-hour solo piano concert)

EGIL “BUD” KROGH Integrity: Good People, Bad Choices, and Life Lessons

from the White House

ERIC NAGER

Checklist for Checkmate: 15 Keys to Building a Successful Team

How to Invest Like a Pro

Why Mary Baker Eddy Moved from Boston in 1889

SPEAKERS

* Current faculty/staff

KEITH PRESTON*

Adams and Jefferson: Patriot Friends and Political Foes

China in Transition *NEWTALK

Churchill: From Failure to Triumph

Fab Four: A Brief History of the Beatles

Learning about and Loving the Constitution

Power and Grace in the White House: A History

of America’s First Ladies

Thank You, George Washington

DR. BRIAN ROBERTS* Presidential Leadership in the Age of “Going Public”

DR. ROBERT ROCKABRAND The Christian Science Hymnal—Its Healing Message

Handel’s Messiah: An Eternal Celebration

Jazz: America’s Classical Music

Those Wonderful Hollywood Musicals

Those Wonderful Broadway Musicals

STEVE SHEDD* Solar Car: A Vehicle for Excellence

JOHN WILLIAMS* China: The Incomplete Superpower

Putin’s Russia: Return of the Czar? *NEWTALK

Tibet: On the Roof of the World

DAVID WOLD* *NEWSPEAKER

Putting an Octopus to Bed: The Wonderful and

Confounding Process of Developing Leaders

* Current faculty/staff

SPEAKERS (CONT.)

TALKS BY SUBJECT AREA

BIBLE, RELIGION, CHRISTIAN SCIENCE“All Nature Teaches God’s Love to Man” [Fuller]The Christian Science Hymnal—Its Healing Message [Rockabrand]The Christian Science Textbook as a Work of Art [Campbell] Mrs. Eddy Mentioned Them [Bay]Mrs. Eddy Quoted Them [Bay]Mrs. Eddy’s Place in America’s Timeline [Bay] Science and Christianity: Two Sides of the Same Coin [Fuller] Why Mary Baker Eddy Moved from Boston in 1889 [Nager] ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY “All Nature Teaches God’s Love to Man” [Fuller]Everyday Infinity [Fuller]Global Wanderings of a Living Dinosaur [Eckert] Science and Christianity: Two Sides of the Same Coin [Fuller] Solar Car: A Vehicle for Excellence [Shedd]What Is the Universe Made Of? [Cornell] HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, TRAVELAdams and Jefferson: Patriot Friends and Political Foes [Preston] China in Transition [Preston]Churchill: From Failure to Triumph [Preston]Fab Four: A Brief History of the Beatles [Preston]Far-Fetched in the Wild West [Bay]Hollywood and History [Eisenauer]Loving Our World or “Roho haina kabila” (Swahili for “The heart has no tribe”) [Hamlin]Mrs. Eddy’s Place in America’s Timeline [Bay] “Post the Colors”: A Concise History of Flags of the World [Eisenauer]Power and Grace in the White House: A History of America’s First Ladies [Preston]The Presidents at Home [Beim-Esche] Thank You, George Washington [Preston]“There You Go Again”: Reagan in Retrospect [Bay]

SUBJECT AREAS AND SPEAKERSBible,Religion,ChristianScience.................. Bay, Campbell, Fuller, Nager, RockabrandEnvironment,Science,Technology................ Cornell, Eckert, Fuller, SheddHistory,Geography,Travel.............................. Bay, Beim-Esche, Eisenauer, Hamlin, Preston, WilliamsLeadership........................................................ Nager, WoldLiterature,Writing,Philosophy....................... Beim-Esche, CampbellMusic................................................................ Jureit-Beamish, Preston, RockabrandPoliticalScience,Economics,Ethics............ Bay, Eisenauer, Hoffman, Krogh, Nager, Preston, Roberts, WilliamsTheatreandFilm.............................................. Eisenauer, Rockabrand

HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, TRAVEL (cont.)Tibet: On the Roof of the World [Williams]A Vietnamese Odyssey [Hamlin]

LEADERSHIP Checklist for Checkmate: 15 Keys to Building a Successful Team [Nager]Putting an Octopus to Bed: The Wonderful and Confounding Process of Developing Leaders [Wold] LITERATURE, WRITING, PHILOSOPHY The Christian Science Textbook as a Work of Art [Campbell]Meet Mark Twain [Beim-Esche] Thomas Paine’s Uncommon Common Sense [Beim-Esche]

MUSICBeethoven: A Man of Remarkable Courage [Jureit-Beamish]The Christian Science Hymnal—Its Healing Message [Rockabrand]Fab Four: A Brief History of the Beatles [Preston]Franz Liszt: The King of the Piano—A Celebration of His 200th Year [Jureit-Beamish]Handel’s Messiah: An Eternal Celebration [Rockabrand]Jazz: America’s Classical Music [Rockabrand] Our Favorite Chopin [Jureit-Beamish]The Piano Music I Love [Jureit-Beamish]A Song of Love [Jureit-Beamish] Talks with Great Composers (with an optional one-hour solo piano concert) [Jureit-Beamish] Those Wonderful Broadway Musicals [Rockabrand]Those Wonderful Hollywood Musicals [Rockabrand] POLITICAL SCIENCE, ECONOMICS, ETHICS Adams and Jefferson: Patriot Friends and Political Foes [Preston]China: The Incomplete Superpower [Williams]Forgiving the Unforgivable [Hoffman]How to Invest Like a Pro [Nager]Integrity: Good People, Bad Choices, and Life Lessons from the White House [Krogh]Learning about and Loving the Constitution [Preston]Mary Baker Eddy’s Place in America’s Timeline [Bay]Power and Grace in the White House: A History of America’s First Ladies [Preston] Presidential Leadership in the Age of “Going Public” [Roberts]The Presidents at Home [Beim-Esche]Putin’s Russia: Return of the Czar? [Williams] Shoot the Messenger: Political Cartoons [Eisenauer] “There You Go Again”: Reagan in Retrospect [Bay] THEATRE AND FILM Hollywood and History [Eisenauer]Those Wonderful Broadway Musicals [Rockabrand] Those Wonderful Hollywood Musicals [Rockabrand]

* Can be borrowed from Principia

Howard Bay grew up in St. Louis, attending Principia Lower, Middle, and Upper School. He graduated with honors from Principia College in 1973 and was awarded the Floyd A. Mc-Neil History Award, going on to earn his master’s degree in history from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Bay joined the Upper School staff in 1978 as a house parent and coach. He later served as the social activities director, the director of admissions and enrollment, and is currently the chair of the Social Studies Department. Howard teaches American history and economics to juniors and seniors, and coaches varsity football at the Upper School.

FAR-FETCHED IN THE WILD WEST * NEW TALKSome of the most significant moments in American history occurred when someone goofed. Learn about famous and not-so-famous blunders as we explore the ten most note-worthy mistakes, miscalculations, and mix-ups west of the Mississippi. We’ll make use of counterfactual, or “what if,” reasoning to question our assumptions. If history is a record of what we think happened, the counterfactual can lead us to see what might have been and further define the lessons of history. (90–120 minutes)

MRS. EDDY MENTIONED THEMFrom Socrates to Shakespeare, from the pious Polycarp to the intrepid Martin Luther, Mary Baker Eddy occasionally made reference to the words and works of individuals who contrib-uted to the general welfare of mankind. She also cited over 100 of her contemporaries. Inspired by a series of articles entitled “Mrs. Eddy Mentioned Them,” published over 50 years ago in the Christian Science Sentinel, this talk will identify who these people were and examine them in the context of the spiritual lessons Mrs. Eddy likely wanted us to draw from their lives. (May be paired with the next talk in a three-hour block.)

MRS. EDDY QUOTED THEMBased on her lifelong love of the Scriptures, our Leader illumi-nated her writings with quotations from the Bible. However, Mrs. Eddy also delighted in quoting from a variety of other sources in order to elucidate a particular passage or reveal a metaphysical point. We’ll examine some of the quotations she felt inspired to include in her pages, with a special focus on identifying the source of those she quoted without attribution. (May be paired with the preceding talk in a three-hour block.)

MRS. EDDY’S PLACE IN AMERICA’S TIMELINEMary Baker Eddy kept a keen eye on the national and world scenes. To gain a broader perspective on our Leader, we’ll ex-amine key moments in her life in the context of the political and cultural events of the day. This juxtaposition of timelines will stimulate our thinking about the world Mrs. Eddy lived in and her response to it.

“THERE YOU GO AGAIN”: REAGAN IN RETROSPECTTo his detractors, the Great Communicator was nothing more than a political huckster whose saber-rattling rhetoric brought us to the brink of nuclear war. To his supporters, he was nothing less than an American hero who restored the nation’s confidence by defeating the “evil empire” and choreographing the end of the Cold War. How will history portray this charismatic man of contradictions, and how does he “stack up” to the current generation of world leaders?”

Proplist• Projector*• Screen• Microphone• Speakers• Podium• VCR or DVD player

HOWARD

BAY

* Can be borrowed from Principia

Clark Beim-Esche graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1971 and a master’s in oral interpretation in 1972. That fall, he began teaching English at Principia College. After a two-year hiatus in busi-ness and secondary education, he returned to Principia in 1978—this time to the Upper School, where he taught until his retirement in 2010. While at the School, he was both a teacher in and head of the English Department. He also taught Integrated Arts—a required course in the history of Western visual, architectural, and musical arts.

MEET MARK TWAINMark Twain once overheard a pretentious tourist in Europe confidently announce, “I am not an American, I am the American.” Over the years some readers have assumed that this comment was spoken by Twain himself, which certain-ly seems reasonable. Mark Twain was arguably the most identifiably American personality of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. As author, traveler, political com-mentator, and critic, his opinion was sought on every issue of the day. Join in this appreciation of Mark Twain’s memorably “American” life: his adventures, his literary achievements, and even his complex responses to the ideas of his contemporary thinker and writer, Mary Baker Eddy. (2 hours, but adjust-able as needed)

THE PRESIDENTS AT HOME The homes of the Presidents of the United States attract hundreds, even thousands, of visitors each year. Some of these sites are administered by the National Park Service; others are state-run locales, and some are both curated and operated by private organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of the Chief Executives who lived in these places. Why do we visit? What is to be learned by touring the homes where Presi-dents were born, grew up, or even to which they retired after their terms in office? Come to a spirited presentation on some

of the new insights into the lives and characters of the Presi-dents that can be gained by visiting the residences associated with these men. Using these locales as windows into the lives and times of the Presidents, this talk offers unique perspec-tives on the wide variety of individuals called upon to occupy the office of Chief Executive.

THOMAS PAINE’S UNCOMMON COMMON SENSEOn January 10, 1776, a 46-page pamphlet appeared in Philadelphia that would forever change the face of America. Its title was, simply, Common Sense. Its author was unknown at the time, but the booklet became an immediate best seller. The impact of its message was electrifying and galvanized the deliberations of a hesitant Continental Congress. Though we have long since learned the name of the British immigrant who wrote Common Sense, most of us still know little about its author, Thomas Paine, and even less about the contents of his most famous literary work. Let’s spend some time getting to understand the words of this nearly forgotten Founder of the American Revolution, the man who announced to the American colonies that “the birthday of a new world is at hand.” (1 hour)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone• Podium with a light (optional)• Projector*• Screen• Sound system• Laptop computer* (for viewing PowerPoint images from a flash drive)

CLARK

BEIM-ESCHE

Dr. Colin Campbell taught English for 43 years at Principia College before retiring in 2000. He also served as director of Principia’s abroad program in Rome, where he lectured on Renaissance and Baroque painting and architecture. His doc-toral research at the University of Pennsylvania centered on the American poet Archibald MacLeish, who believed that literature should not only mirror and interpret the universal human condition but also change it—an idea that has been the tent pole of Dr. Campbell’s thinking about literature ever since.

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE TEXTBOOK AS A WORK OF ART A surprising number of readers who study our textbook, including those who do so every day, are unaware of its literary excellence. Think for a moment about the fact that twice a week it is read aloud in the company of that towering masterwork of Holy Writ, the King James Bible, one of the stellar achievements of the English Renaissance, a book so luminous in its artistic grandeur that many rank it with the plays of Shakespeare.

Does anyone feel a loss of literary merit, when, on Wednes-day evening, the Reader closes the Bible and begins reading from Science and Health? No, and the question is, How did Mrs. Eddy do it? What empowers the textbook to work with ease—both aesthetically and intellectually—in tandem with the Bible of King James?

In his lecture Dr. Campbell will try to answer this question. He will highlight Mrs. Eddy’s grasp of complex theological concepts, discuss the signature facets of her prose style, and hold up to view all the other features of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that make it, like the Bible, a pearl of great price among the books that constitute the canon of world literature. Proplist

• Microphone and table stand• Table• Chair

DR. COLIN

CAMBELL

Dr. David Cornell, professor emeritus of physics, earned his BS in physics from Principia College in 1959 and a PhD in the same field from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1964. He taught at Principia College for 38 years before moving to the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Linda. Dur-ing his tenure at the College, Dr. Cornell went on sabbatical to England’s University of Warwick, where he researched materials for hydrogen storage. Later he obtained a master’s degree in music (piano performance) at Washington Univer-sity in St. Louis.

In 1989, sponsored by the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship pro-gram, Cornell lectured in astronomy and electronics at the University of Zimbabwe. Upon returning from Africa, he was awarded a distinguished service citation for outstand-ing physics teaching by the American Association of Physics Teachers, Illinois Section. In 1991 he started the Principia solar car project, and in 1997 he presided over the installa-tion of Principia’s telescope in the astronomical observatory. Since retirement he has been active as a pianist, community choral singer, Christian Science Reading Room attendant, and online tutor in mathematics and physics.

In May 2014, Cornell enrolled in The Evolving Universe, a massive online open course (MOOC) given by a Caltech professor. It shows that the questions and concepts in this talk continue to be current.

WHAT IS THE UNIVERSE MADE OF?How much do we know about the nature of the universe? How much can we know? The past two decades of scien-tific investigation suggest that the universe is even stranger than we had thought before. In fact, we are convinced that we know a lot less about the universe now than we did 20 years ago. The idea of matter has given way largely to strange things called dark matter and dark energy. What are they and why do we believe in them? Expect to gain new insight into concepts of humanity’s origin, both from a physical and metaphysical perspective. This talk will touch on these things—and may leave you with more questions than an-swers. (40–45 minutes)

Proplist• Microphone, if group is larger than 50 people• Projector • Screen• Room that can be darkened• Computer with PowerPoint 2007 or later

(notify speaker if version is older)

DR. DAVID

CORNELL

* Can be borrowed from Principia

Dr. Scott Eckert received a BS in biology from Principia College and a doctorate in zoology from the University of Georgia. He is chair of the Biology and Natural Resources Department at Principia College, the director of science for the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST), and a research scientist on the faculty of Duke University. For nearly three decades he has been active in the field of marine biology; his current research exam-ines the oceanic behavior and ecology of the leatherback sea turtle.

Dr. Eckert’s research on sea turtles and other large oceanic vertebrates has taken him to field sites throughout the world, including two seasons in Antarctica to study the diving behavior and physiology of Weddell seals and Emperor Penguins (which earned him the Antarctic Service Medal in 1989). Eckert pioneered the use of microelectronics on sea turtles, was the first to successfully use telemetry to study the long-term movements and behaviors of leatherback turtles and whale sharks, and was also first to make the connection between the collapse of major sea turtle nesting aggregations and distant commercial fishing activity.

Eckert has published more than 100 scientific and general interest articles and is a valued consultant to governments, nongovernmental organizations, and intergovernmental bodies, including the World Trade Organization and the U.S. Commission on Oceans.

GLOBAL WANDERINGS OF A LIVING DINOSAUREnjoy this lively presentation on endangered leatherback sea turtles—the largest reptiles on earth and among the most migratory of all marine species. Dr. Eckert has spent more than two decades researching this elusive and beautiful crea-ture, who is able to outmaneuver a great white shark, hunt jellyfish among icebergs, and travel across ocean basins to lay its eggs on tropical beaches. Eckert’s research has resulted in the development of conservation strategies designed to re-duce the threats posed by hunting, interaction with fisheries, and coastal development.

Proplist• Microphone (if large room)• Projector*• Screen

DR. SCOTT

ECKERT

* Can be borrowed from Principia

A Principia College graduate, Rich Eisenauer rejoined the College staff in 1989 as an assistant coach for the men’s soccer team. A year later, he joined the faculty of Principia School as the Middle School social studies teacher. Then in 2010, “Mr. E,” as his students lovingly refer to him, began teaching social studies at the Upper School. In addition, he has coached numerous sports at the School. Eisenauer’s sons, Evan and Ryan, both attend Principia School, and his wife, Karen, works as an executive assistant at the School.

HOLLYWOOD AND HISTORYWe often hear that a work is “based on a true story,” but what does that really mean? Historical literacy is all about perspective. How we view any significant event forever shapes our judgments about the people and circumstances associated with it. Hollywood has played a significant role in shaping the perceptions of history for today’s public, but how ac-curate are these portrayals? Learn which films offer a truer representation of history and which are pure fiction. Come explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of history on film, with a focus on major events of the twentieth century.

“POST THE COLORS”: A CONCISE HISTORY OF FLAGS OF THE WORLD * NEW TALKThroughout the ages, flags have been a symbol of cultural and national identity and a means of communication. From military standards flown in battle thousands of years ago to painted faces at athletic events, flags have always been a means of representation. Flags will play a prominent role this summer during the Olympics as chosen athletes have the honor of carrying their country’s flag into the stadium. The history of each flag is unique and provides insight into the quality and character of a nation.

SHOOT THE MESSENGER: POLITICAL CARTOONSPolitical cartoons can be some the most creative and con-troversial forms of expression. They have a long history of capturing the significance of an event and making it stand out in our thought. The cartoon, like any editorial, aims to get our attention and provoke a response. Our responses vary from delight to outrage, depending on the topic and point of view. Come and see a variety of political cartoons, past and present, from around the country and around the world. Find out about the history behind them and evaluate their influence then and now.

Proplist• Projector*• Screen

RICH

EISENAUER

* Can be borrowed from Principia

Dr. Tom Fuller earned a BA in math from Amherst College, an MS in education from Old Dominion University, and a DSc in computer science from Washington University in St. Louis. He taught high school math and physics in Portsmouth, Vir-ginia, for four years and also held sales and training positions at Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys). For three years, he managed product development for two divisions of The Chris-tian Science Publishing Society and was project manager for Concord. Tom has taught math and computer science for over twenty years at Principia College. He has also served as acting president (2007–08), Faculty Senate president, and unit head of Math and Natural Sciences. He is the Harry and Margaret Heimer Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science and won the College’s 2014 Harper Award for Teaching Excellence.

Beyond the campus borders, Tom is a fellow of the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), has served on the APICS national Curricula and Certification Council, and led the Japanese Manufacturing Study Mission in inves-tigating a wide variety of successful Japanese manufacturers. Tom has written for the Christian Science religious periodicals and published books, booklets, and dozens of articles in pro-fessional journals. He has spoken all over the United States and in Canada, Europe, and Japan. An avid nature lover, Tom has photographed 450 species of birds. He has also served for years as associate director of Principia’s astronomical observatory, guiding hundreds of visitors to the wonders of our galaxy.

“ALL NATURE TEACHES GOD’S LOVE TO MAN”Haven’t we all learned valuable spiritual lessons from the natural world: from animals, trees, birds, flowers, and the ce-lestial sphere? The prophets, Jesus, and Mrs. Eddy often used metaphors from nature—eagles’ wings, a mustard seed, a hen’s brood, fowls of the air, lilies of the field, a snowbird, a leaflet, glorious heavens, suns and planets—to teach divine themes.

This talk explores nature’s metaphors through many examples and recognizes the naturalness of health and spiritual heal-ing. Hundreds of natural and celestial photos form the talk’s backdrop—a rich tapestry through which to learn anew that “all nature teaches God’s love to man” (Science and Health, p. 326). (60–90 minutes)

EVERYDAY INFINITYThis talk explores the concept of infinity from mankind’s earliest sense of wonder to modern science and mathematics. Although there are tiny bits of high school algebra and ge-ometry, it is perfectly safe for all audiences. You’ll explore the subject with natural wonders such as pineapples, pine cones, finches, trees, snails, and the starry skies. Finally, metaphors from the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings bring the concept of infinity full circle. (60–90 minutes)

SCIENCE AND CHRISTIANITY: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COINHow can you be a scientist and a Christian? This talk grew from finding answers to that question. Learn from the lives of great scientists—Einstein, Heisenberg, Hering, Hubble—how science and Christianity are two sides of the same coin. References from Science and Health illustrate the point. (60–90 minutes)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone (for large rooms)• Projector*• Screen• Speakers (sound system)• Podium or table (for laptop computer)• Basketball (for “Science and Christianity” talk)

DR. TOM

FULLER

A retired Principia College lecturer in education, Margie Hamlin pioneered a course in children’s literature and co-authored four books for teachers and librarians. Hamlin also served for many years as international student coordinator at the College, overseeing the growth of the program from 15 to more than 50 students representing almost every conti-nent. She led five study abroad programs for the College and has traveled extensively, including numerous visits to Russia, Vietnam, India, and several African countries, as well as trips to Turkey, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica, Israel, and Bhutan. She holds a BA from the University of Califor-nia, Berkeley. LOVING OUR WORLD OR “ROHO HAINA KABILA” (SWAHILI FOR “THE HEART HAS NO TRIBE”) Illustrated by unique photographs taken by Henry HamlinCelebrate our oneness with all mankind! Instead of a con-ventional travelogue of places visited, this talk will focus on friendships Margie and Hank Hamlin made in cultures as diverse as India (where they trekked with gypsies in the Himalayas, rode on a camel safari, and experienced a Hindu wedding), Vietnam (where they celebrated the Tet (New Year’s) Festival with gentle, radiant people who are looking to the future), and several countries in Africa (where they felt the love and joy of simple village living with people who have so much to teach us about relationships with one another). Listeners will also meet people in Russia, Turkey, and the Caribbean, and experience the network of love that embraces all cultures. Hear how hand puppets, music, and the gift of time can unify our universal family. See how the common language of love and laughter can dissolve any walls that seem to divide us. (60 minutes)

A VIETNAMESE ODYSSEYExperience the true-life story of a Vietnamese boy born to peasants among the rice paddies, and follow his unlikely, unusual, and inspiring journey toward higher education and an awakening to Christian Science that led to his enrollment in the one-year enrichment program at Principia College. This is an authentic fairy tale of epic proportions. (60 minutes)

MARJORIE (MARGIE)

DAY HAMLIN

Libby Hoffman is the founder and president of Catalyst for Peace, a private foundation based in Portland, Maine, that mobilizes locally owned and led peacebuilding and recon-ciliation after war, and pioneers in storytelling to share the lessons of this work with the world. She co-founded Fambul Tok (Family Talk), which brings victims and perpetrators from the civil war in Sierra Leone together for the first time in village-level, tradition-based ceremonies of truth-telling and forgiveness, reknitting the torn fabric of the community in the process. Hoffman also produced an award-winning documentary film about this work, Fambul Tok, and is the lead author of the book of the same name, published by Um-brage Editions. Both were released in 2011. In addition, she has been a featured speaker at two TEDx conferences.

Active in peacebuilding for 25 years in a variety of roles—professor, trainer, facilitator, program director, consultant, and funder—Hoffman taught political science at Principia College before leaving academia to focus on the practice of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. She has developed and led conflict resolution training programs in corporate, congregational, educational, and community settings. She designed, convened, and facilitated back-channel Middle East peacemaking initiatives and worked for religion to be used as a constructive element of the peacemaking process, work that culminated in the establishment of the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Hoffman holds an MALD from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts Univer-sity and a BA in political science from Williams College. FORGIVING THE UNFORGIVABLETake a fireside seat at the community truth-telling and forgiveness bonfires happening across the West African nation of Sierra Leone as that country’s citizens pioneer new approaches to dealing with the bitter legacy of their 11-year civil war. Fambul Tok, Krio for “family talk,” is an age-old tradition in Sierra Leone of coming together in the safety of the family circle to discuss problems and draw on

the resources of the community for healing. The ground-breaking Fambul Tok program in Sierra Leone draws on this tradition to bring victims and perpetrators together to talk for the first time since the war ended, to tell their stories, apologize, and offer forgiveness—thus beginning the process of real reconciliation and opening the way for development initiatives to finally take hold.

Scenes from the award-winning documentary Fambul Tok (www.fambultok.com) will be interspersed with firsthand stories, background information, and time for questions and answers to help illuminate the extraordinarily hopeful examples of what is possible when entire communities come together to engage in the hard work of reconciliation. You’ll also learn how others are applying the same ideas in U.S. schools and communities—with transformational impact.

These stories of forgiveness will inspire and challenge you, renewing your faith in humanity while challenging you to look at your own experience differently. Hoffman gives a frontline look at the program that has the potential to change the way the world thinks about Africa—moving away from seeing it as a continent that needs to be “fixed” or “saved” by the inter-national community, to seeing and learning from the answers that Africans themselves bring to solving their own problems.

Proplist• Projector• Screen

LIBBY

HOFFMAN

Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish, professor emerita of music, was a faculty member at Principia College for over 30 years. Throughout that time, she maintained an active performing career as both a pianist and flutist. A winner of the presti-gious St. Louis Artist Presentation Society Competition and a member of Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Cali-fornia, Berkeley, she holds music degrees from UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and Yale School of Music. During her tenure at Principia, Jureit-Beamish conducted the College orchestra and taught a wide variety of courses, including an award-winning class of piano and flute students, Funda-mentals of Music, Chamber Music, The Creative World of Mozart, and many more. Together with her musical family, she has performed for many of Principia’s continuing educa-tion programs and alumni weekends. She has also led several European trips for Principia and directed College music tours around the country. Upon her retirement in 2014, Jureit-Beamish was awarded honorary alumni status.

BEETHOVEN: A MAN OF REMARKABLE COURAGE The quality of heroism in Beethoven’s music grabs the lis-tener and inspires triumph in the face of tragedy. Throughout his life as a musician in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Bonn and Vienna, Beethoven constantly confronted ob-stacles to his composing—whether the struggle to survive as a freelance musician, Napoleon’s cruel invasion of Vienna, or the greatest challenge of all for a musician: deafness. Though he lived a life of personal isolation, Beethoven’s sole motive in composing was to bless his fellow man. Three epic pieces symbolizing freedom for all—Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), Symphony No. 9 (“Ode to Joy,” a symphony for all mankind), and his only opera Fidelio (faithful one)—reveal Beethoven’s enormous personal strength and the power of his music to transform, uplift, and inspire each of us to grow in our own ability to meet challenges with the promise of triumph and victory.

FRANZ LISZT: THE KING OF THE PIANO—A CELEBRATION OF HIS 200TH YEARFor two hundred years, the great Romantic virtuoso pianist Franz Liszt has fascinated audiences and other musicians with tales of his unequalled bravura and transforming prow-ess at the keyboard. To this day, he deservedly stands as the reigning virtuoso of all time. Characterized as flamboyant, charismatic, charming, and passionate, Liszt stunned audiences with his electrifying performances in nineteenth-century Europe. Also a genius composer spanning from the stunning Mephisto Waltz No. 1 to the sublime heights of his epic Sonata, Liszt stands today as one of the great innovators of Romanticism in music. This talk/performance brings his extraordinary music to life.

OUR FAVORITE CHOPIN Song, unbridled emotion, rapture, melancholy, color, romance, power, grace, dance, excitement, enchantment, piano: this is the music of Polish Romantic composer, Frederic Chopin. Watch Chopin’s music come to life as Dr. Jureit-Beamish talks about and performs several of his piano pieces, which are highlighted in the recently released double CD featuring Jureit-Beamish’s own musical talents and those of her daughters, Laura Garritson Parker, Lindsay Garritson, and Ashley Garritson. Experience the Polish na-tionalistic fervor, the unleashed passion, the soulful melan-choly, the tender melodic lyricism, and the exciting intensity of virtuoso playing—all the qualities that have captured the hearts and souls of millions of admirers for the last two hun-dred years. (1 hour)

THE PIANO MUSIC I LOVE Dr. Jureit-Beamish shares her life in music through the piano music and musicians who have inspired her career.

DR. MARIE

JUREIT-BEAMISH

A SONG OF LOVE This talk shares the remarkable story of the greatest love tri-angle in all of music—Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, and Clara Schumann—which is retold in the fabulous 1945 film Song of Love. The talk includes musical works by these three Romantic musicians performed by Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish and Ashley Garritson.

TALKS WITH GREAT COMPOSERSThis talk is a tribute to creative inspiration. How often do you have the unique privilege of being in the presence of a great composer and hearing—in his own words—the es-sence of the inspiration of his greatest musical achievements? Listen to the music of Brahms, Puccini, Richard Strauss, Max Bruch, and Grieg, and hear what each has to say about the inherent religiosity in the creative process. (1 hour)

ONE HOUR SOLO PIANO CONCERTTo conclude “Talks with Great Composers,” Dr. Jureit-Beamish offers an optional, one-hour, solo piano concert.

Proplistfortalksandconcert• Grand piano in excellent condition• Piano tuned the day of the concert (or the day before)• Artist’s bench for the piano (let us know if we need to bring this)• Adequate light for seeing the music and the performer• Relatively quiet environment

DR. MARIE

JUREIT-BEAMISH (cont.)

Bud Krogh joined the DC-based Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) in 2009 as a senior fellow on leadership and ethics. Two years earlier, Public Affairs Press published his book Integrity: Good People, Bad Choices, and Life Lessons from the White House. After a tour with the Navy during the Vietnam War and then graduation from law school, Krogh joined John Ehrlichman’s staff as assistant to the counsel to the president at the beginning of Richard Nixon’s first term. While on the White House staff, Krogh’s responsibilities in-cluded District of Columbia governmental affairs, law enforce-ment, narcotics control policy, and transportation policy. His final position in the federal government was undersecretary of transportation in 1973. As co-director of a Special Investiga-tions Unit, eventually known as the White House Plumbers, Krogh approved a covert operation as part of a national securi-ty investigation into the leak of the top secret Pentagon Papers to The New York Times. He later pleaded guilty to conspiracy and served four and a half months in prison.

Between his disbarment from law practice in 1975 and re-instatement to the bar in 1980, Krogh taught Ethics, Public Policy Analysis, and Administrative Law at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. After reinstatement, he focused on mediation and the resolution of energy policy issues in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Krogh’s work in the North-west also led to his participation in Project Pelion and the 1990 Mount Everest Earth Day International Peace Climb, two purpose-driven climbs that succeeded, in part, because of their commitment to organizational and personal integrity.

Krogh has had 35 years to reflect on the lessons learned from his experience in the White House, many of which are relevant to recent political and business scandals. Some of his conclu-sions have resulted in The Integrity Zone®, a decision-making model intended to help people make choices based on integ-

rity. In his role at CSPC, Krogh continues to develop and pro-mote new methods of encouraging integrity-based decision- making among business leaders, public servants, and lawyers. He also works with high school juniors who spend a semester at The School for Ethics and Global Leadership in DC. For outstanding service to Principia, his country, and the Cause of Christian Science, Krogh was presented with the 2008 David K. Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award.

INTEGRITY: GOOD PEOPLE, BAD CHOICES, AND LIFE LESSONS FROM THE WHITE HOUSEBud Krogh describes his unique experiences on Richard Nixon’s White House staff and explains how the “slippery slope” of little decisions that lack integrity—a police badge for Elvis Presley or the fat content in the American hot dog—can lead to a major meltdown like breaking into the office of Dr. Louis Fielding, who was Dr. Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist. Dr. Ellsberg had leaked the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret history of the Vietnam War, to The New York Times, and this leak infuriated President Nixon, who instructed Mr. Krogh that such leaks “would not be allowed.” The Fielding break-in led to Watergate, a massive cover-up, and the first resignation of a serving U.S. President. From his experience, Krogh has devel-oped The Integrity Zone, a model for making decisions that are based on integrity and are whole, right, and good. He of-fers examples of how critical it is to be aware of the context in which one is working in order to avoid external and internal threats to integrity, including secrecy, group-think, pressure for results, arrogance, misplaced loyalty, and blind ambition.

Proplist• Projector• Screen

EGIL “BUD”

KROGH

Eric Nager served on Principia’s Alumni Association Board from 2006–09. For the past 14 years, he has worked as an investment advisor representative at Southern Capital Services in Daphne, Alabama, with his brother, Terry, who is also an alum. Nager earned an MBA from the University of South Alabama and an MA in history from Harvard. He is also a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist. A lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, he and his wife, Sandy, who have two daughters, founded the Principia Club of Mobile, Alabama/Pensacola, Florida. Eric’s children’s book, Your True Parent: Three Stories of Adoption was published by Ponder in 2013.

CHECKLIST FOR CHECKMATE: 15 KEYS TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL TEAMAmong his other activities, Eric is the chess coach at Bayside Academy, a private, K–12 school roughly the size of Principia School. Although Nager started the chess program from scratch, the team quickly rose in the ranks to win a national championship in its ability group in its fifth year and on its first attempt. This talk tells that story, illustrating that a strong team leader doesn’t have to be an expert in the field or have unlimited resources at his disposal. All it takes to get amazing results is vision and persistence.

Nager also explains how to build a successful team or pro-gram. While a scholastic chess team is the example, the prin-ciples apply to athletic teams, the corporate world, or almost any other type of team. Nager’s book, with the same title as his talk, was published by Impala Press in 2008.

HOW TO INVEST LIKE A PROThe past decade has seen tremendous market turmoil, giving rise to investor uncertainty. In the last 85 years, there have been four major bear markets, with two of them occurring since 2000. Despite this, the stock market as a whole has still averaged nearly a 10 percent annual return during the entire period. Unfortunately, most investors never realize this because of extreme volatility.

The so-called three legs of the investment retirement stool that individuals rely on are corporate retirement plans, Social Security, and personal savings. Given added uncertainty about the first two, personal savings take on even greater importance in today’s economic environment. Nager offers ideas about the investment vehicles available, and the pros and cons of each. He then shares his firm’s choice as well as its selection method so that audience members can use it to invest for themselves, even with modest portfolios and with-out paying unnecessary loads or commissions.

WHY MARY BAKER EDDY MOVED FROM BOSTON IN 1889The decade of 1880 was one of great gains in the Christian Science movement. Yet despite the growing number of students taught at the Massachusetts Metaphysical College and the number of members of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Mary Baker Eddy closed the college “at the height of its prosperity” (Science and Health, p. xii), disbanded the Church, and moved to New Hampshire in 1889. This talk explores what was going on in the movement at the time, the reason for Eddy’s move, and its outcome—a firmer founda-tion upon which to grow.

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone• Projector• Screen

ERIC

NAGER

Keith Preston earned a BA in history from Principia Col-lege and holds an MAT from Webster University. Preston’s business background includes 18 years in money manage-ment, both the securities business and charitable trust management. Currently a social studies teacher at Principia Upper School, Preston has been giving talks and classes for over two decades on historical subjects, including the Titanic disaster, American presidential elections, and the political assassinations of the 1960s.

ADAMS AND JEFFERSON: PATRIOT FRIENDS AND POLITICAL FOES John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were at the center of the birth of the United States of America. They were also antago-nists in one of the most caustic presidential campaigns in U.S. history. This is a chance to learn what made them work together, bitterly fight each other, and eventually reconcile. Their story is a truly inspiring example of higher ideals heal-ing a bitter divide in American politics. (90 minutes)

CHINA IN TRANSITION * NEW TALK When Keith Preston accompanied his brother and two adopted nieces on a return visit to China, he was over-whelmed by the pace and depth of changes going on in that vast, complex land. His search for a meaningful interpreta-tion of the past and future of this nation, which contains one-sixth of the planet’s population, left him with many answers and even more questions. Is China an emerging superpower, as many say, or just a third-world country with a thin first-world veneer? (90 minutes)

CHURCHILL: FROM FAILURE TO TRIUMPH Who was Winston Churchill? He was a war hero, orator, journalist, renowned wit, Nobel-winning author, painter, and master of the lost art of debating. He was also often a neglectful husband, harsh father, spendthrift, imperialist, and clueless opportunist. One thing most historians can agree on: he dominated the political scene of one of the most power-ful empires in human history like few ever have (or probably ever will). (90 minutes)

FAB FOUR: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BEATLESFrom the Cavern Club to Abbey Road, this fun romp through the 60s with the lads from Liverpool covers the mad-ness, mayhem, and music of rock’s most prolific songwriters. Learn how they wrote their songs and why their music con-tinues to satisfy to this day. Yeah, yeah, yeah! (90 minutes)

LEARNING ABOUT AND LOVING THE CONSTITUTIONEnjoy a fascinating examination of the genesis of the United States’ most significant contribution to modern govern-ment: the U.S. Constitution. From its labored creation to the struggles of sectionalism, secession, and the twentieth-century struggle for rights and protections, the Constitution remains the backbone of American rights, responsibilities, and the protection of a free people from tyranny. You will come away with a new appreciation for the timeless relevance of this all-important document. (90 minutes)

POWER AND GRACE IN THE WHITE HOUSE: A HISTORY OF AMERICA’S FIRST LADIESEnjoy an anecdotal reflection on the women behind the men who have governed the United States. Full of lore, power, tri-umph, and tragedy, this examination of America’s First Ladies will amuse and educate. Whether wives, sisters, or progeny, our First Ladies have long had important influence on the men who have held our highest office. (90 minutes–2.5 hours)

THANK YOU, GEORGE WASHINGTONHe’s on our money and in our history books, but is the man really in our hearts? Get to know the real George Washington and find out why historians refer to him as “the indispensable man.” (90 minutes)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone• Projector*• Screen• Podium

KEITH

PRESTON

* Can be borrowed from Principia

* Can be borrowed from Principia

Dr. Brian Roberts has been a faculty member in the Politi-cal Science Department at Principia College since 1997. His expertise is in the subfields of the American Presidency and Congress. A Principia College graduate, he holds an MA in government from the University of Virginia and a PhD in political science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Roberts has co-authored an article in The Book of the States, the leading reference source on state gov-ernment, and presented professional papers at annual meet-ings of the American Political Science Association, Midwest Political Science Association, and Southern Political Science Association. His research focuses on the topics of presiden-tial communication, presidential approval, and presidential elections. He has also presented papers on the experiential and project-centered learning activities utilized in his courses at the College. Roberts currently serves as the division head for the Social Sciences Unit and chair of the Angie W. Cox School of Government. He has also served as the institution’s Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA for many years.

PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP IN THE AGE OF “GOING PUBLIC” Over the past three decades, U.S. presidents have made increasing use of the bully pulpit, particularly when it comes to public addresses delivered outside of the Beltway. Presi-dent Bill Clinton, for example, spent the equivalent of one full year of his first term in office delivering speeches in U.S. cities. More recent occupants of the Oval Office, including President Obama, are emulating this torrid pace. This talk draws upon original data from presidential speeches com-piled and analyzed by Dr. Roberts that documents the efforts of presidents to bypass more traditional forms of bargaining with Congress in favor of a leadership style defined by schol-ars as “going public.” Roberts will address the impetus for and implications of this new form of presidential leadership. (60–90 minutes)

Proplist• Projector*• Screen

DR. BRIAN

ROBERTS

Dr. Robert Rockabrand, professor emeritus of music at Prin-cipia College, earned his doctor of musical arts degree from Stanford University. He taught at the College from 1975 to 1997, and was the Charles Stewart Harding Mott Distin-guished Professor until his retirement. As the College’s choral director, Rockabrand led frequent tours in the U.S. with a combined chorus of College and Upper School singers. He has directed Principia travel studies programs to Europe and taught at alumni events and continuing education sessions. His awards include a certificate of merit from the American Council of Teachers for innovative academic advising and an alumni merit award from Westminster Choir College. Rock-abrand produced and directed the 1988 recording of hymns published by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, entitled The Healing Word of Love. THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE HYMNAL— ITS HEALING MESSAGE“Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven . . . .” Why do we turn so often in praise and prayer to our hymns for inspira-tion and comfort? Why is our hymnal such a powerful force in healing? Let’s celebrate the spiritual nature of the beauti-ful poetry and melodies from Bach and Beethoven to gospel tunes—plus the settings of Mary Baker Eddy’s poems in both the 1932 hymnal and the Christian Science Hymnal Supplement (optional segment) with its new contemporary music—that help to bring release and regeneration to those who turn to hymns for healing. (3 hours, or 5 hours with a lunch break)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone• Tuned piano

HANDEL’S MESSIAH: AN ETERNAL CELEBRATIONYou’ve heard it in church, in the concert hall, and on the radio. Most likely you’ve sung parts of it, and there are now videos displaying the glories of possibly the most enduring and popular choral work in Western civilization. The compos-er’s creative genius was in full flower when he penned his most famous work in 1742, a three-part oratorio that reflects the

sophistication of eighteenth-century England and has radiated a sacred message to a receptive world for over 250 years. Learn more about this masterwork in a lecture-demonstration that explores beautiful songs and thrilling choruses. Hallelujah! (2 hours)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone• Piano of any size (not a keyboard)• VCR, large TV screen, and sound system• CD player and speakers• Small table for books and disks

JAZZ: AMERICA’S CLASSICAL MUSIC Enjoy the sounds of ragtime, blues, and jazz—America’s first popular music—from New Orleans to New York, from Louis Armstrong’s “hot” 1920s to the “cool” 1950s and beyond. Recall how the smooth dancing sounds of the Basie, Good-man, and Ellington Big Bands lifted America’s spirits in the Depression and through WWII. Learn how Charlie Parker’s full-throated bebop softened into the mellow harmonies of Stan Getz’s cool and Latin; how Miles Davis blended tradi-tional jazz with rock music to create fusion; and how today’s “young Turks”—from the Marsalis brothers to rap artists—are combining tradition with innovation. (2–3 hours)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone • Projector• CD player and speakers• Small table for books and disks

DR. ROBERT (BOB)

ROCKABRAND

THOSE WONDERFUL BROADWAY MUSICALS “Oh, what a beautiful morning” will be yours when you re-live landmark Broadway musicals that have winged their way into our hearts, from Show Boat and Oklahoma! to Les Misérables and The Lion King. You will discover themes of love and longing, sacrifice and redemption, in the songs, dances, and dialogue that have made musical theater America’s most popular art form of the century. You’ll leave with wings on your feet, singing, “Oh, what a beautiful day!” (2 hours minimum)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone• Projector• Screen• Small table for books and disks

THOSE WONDERFUL HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS Remember Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dancing into our hearts, Judy Garland’s spellbinding rendition of “The Man That Got Away” in A Star is Born, and Gene Kelly splashing through the puddles in Singin’ in the Rain? Remember Al Jolson, Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Lena Horne, Barbara Streisand, and dozens of others who took the musical from a simple “let’s be entertained” affair to a highly sophisticated art form that sent us away cheer-ing, dancing, and humming those memorable songs? Come aboard and see why these musicals are an enduring American art form. (2 hours minimum)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone• Projector• Screen

DR. ROBERT (BOB)

ROCKABRAND (cont.)

* Can be borrowed from Principia

Steve Shedd arrived at Principia College with a wealth of experience in information technology (IT), dating back to the 1970s, when he was an instructor at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. In addition to more than twenty years of IT work in the high-rise construction and mortgage banking industries, Shedd started and ran two companies, Ocean State Software Inc. and Logical Connec-tions Inc. (an IT consulting business). He holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Rhode Island.

As a faculty member at Principia College, Shedd chaired both the Computer Science Department and the Scholastic Committee. He is widely recognized for his dedicated service to the solar car program, which he first became involved with (prior to joining the College faculty) when his daughter Mel-anie was a member of Principia’s first solar car team. Since then, Shedd has participated in Principia’s cross-country solar car races—nine in North America, as well as individual races in China, Taiwan, Greece, and three times in Australia. He now serves as director of special projects and as a Principia development officer.

SOLAR CAR: A VEHICLE FOR EXCELLENCERelive the incredible international adventures of Principia’s solar car team, including races in Australia, China, Greece, Taiwan, and the United States. Shedd will share insights, stories of overcoming adversity, and tales of Principia’s world-class team. (90 minutes, but can be adjusted longer or shorter to fit the club’s needs)

Proplist• Lavaliere microphone• Projector*• Screen

STEVE

SHEDD

John Williams, JD, teaches in and chairs the Political Sci-ence Department and co-directs the Asian Studies Program. Earlier, he chaired the Mass Communication Department and recently completed two terms as president of the Illinois Political Science Association. Williams is the first recipient of the College’s Harper Award for Teaching Excellence.

Having grown up in India and Thailand as the son of a military officer and diplomat, Williams has returned annually to Asia for over two decades. He has spent summers in India with the comparative religion program of the University of California, Santa Barbara, traveled the length of Vietnam (10 trips) and the breadth of Mongolia (eight trips), and jour-neyed across China on more than 15 visits (including seven trips into Tibet and four trips into Xinjiang). Williams has also traveled and conducted research in various parts of the former Soviet Union, including Russia, Moldova, Estonia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. He has lectured at universities in India, China, and Kazakhstan, and he serves on the board of the American Center for Mongolian Studies based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

CHINA: THE INCOMPLETE SUPERPOWER China is the second largest economy, the third nation to have its own space program, the largest consumer of energy, and the greatest emitter of greenhouse gases. It produces America’s goods and owns America’s debt. The People’s Liberation Army (including navy and air force) may be the fastest improving military. Some see China as a giant panda to be embraced. Others see China as a fiery dragon to be feared. Perhaps there is a middle way to manage the Middle Kingdom.

Williams offers a two-part lecture, supported by pictures, maps, and anecdotes. The first part is a series of 20 Chinese lessons, brief yet illuminating points that will enable you to unveil the mystery of China. Among them are the impor-tance of Confucian thought, the grip of historical thinking, and an insight into political factions struggling for control of China’s future. The second part is a series of vignettes that

highlight both the complexity of China and our ability to understand and manage America’s relationship with it. Some of the stories Williams discusses include the Beijing riots after the 1999 NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, the hypernationalistic preparations for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and the rapid reaction to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. (2 hours; each part lasts 50–60 minutes)

PUTIN’S RUSSIA: RETURN OF THE CZAR? * NEW TALK Vladimir Putin is the face of modern Russia and, possibly, the return of the proud Russian empire. Rising from obscu-rity, the former KGB colonel has risen to indisputable power as President of the Russian Federation. He is a master of politics and public relations. Following the annexation of the Crimea, Putin is riding a wave of public opinion euphoria. Outsiders, though, paint a much more malevolent picture of a dictatorial strongman. The more fascinating question may be—is he a strategic thinker or an opportunistic actor? In essence, does Putin have a long-term plan, or is he taking advantage of circumstances? Is Putin a chess master or a judo-master? The answer to this question might be found in two histories—the personal history of Vladimir Putin and, more importantly, the powerful history of Russia—imperial Russia, the Soviet Union, and the resurging Russian Federation.

By reminding us of Russian history and geography, and particularly Russians’ deep ties to the Motherland, Williams reveals the Russian perspective—rightly or wrongly—of the twenty-first-century world. Russians have always appreciated a strong ruler—Czar, General Secretary, or President. Rus-sians care about being Russian, no matter where they may live. And Russians have a long history of being invaded—the Mongols, Napoleon, Hitler, and Allied support for White Russians during the Russian civil war. Williams offers expla-nations why Putin’s actions resonate with the Russian people. He will also engage the audience in discussion about how the West might respond and why our options appear so limited. Entertaining stories from recent history, politics, and current events will be interspersed throughout the presentation. (90 minutes—60 for the presentation and 30 for discussion)

JOHN

WILLIAMS

TIBET: ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD The Tibetan people, followers of the Dalai Lama, are among the most publicly religious people in the world. They circum-ambulate temples on their knees and walk twirling prayer wheels, while prayer flags flutter from rooftops and trees. Their ancient culture, steeped in Bon and Buddhism, is under threat from the modern world, especially by the Han Chinese. Williams has traveled around Tibet on seven occasions, including four trips with Principia College students, and has twice visited the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India. Using slides (or PowerPoint), video, and personal stories, he will take you inside the temples, monasteries, markets, and life of Tibet, the Land on the Roof of the World. (This talk is aimed at adults and good for teens and college students. It is not appropriate for small children due to heavy religious and political themes.)

Proplist• Projector*• Screen

* Can be borrowed from Principia

JOHN

WILLIAMS (cont.)

David Wold is the founder and director of the Principia Leadership Institute. He holds a master’s degree in manage-ment and leadership and has advised corporate executives, government officials, and boards of directors on everything from strategic planning to succession planning.

PUTTING AN OCTOPUS TO BED: THE WONDERFUL AND CONFOUNDING PROCESS OF DEVELOPING LEADERS An engaging speaker, David Wold can tailor his topic to your club’s interests. Learn about the dynamic, intriguing, un-wieldy process of developing leaders; or assimilate leadership ideals and hone your leadership style.

Whatever focus you choose, you’ll enjoy Wold’s energetic, hands-on presentation style. Work with the Field Relations Office to craft a topic that suits your club.

DAVID

WOLD

AFR_0998