Leonard Nimoy Kicks Off 2006-07 Forum Series

Akron, Ohio, Aug. 16, 2006 - The University of Akron has announced a blockbuster lineup for its 2006-07 Forum Series, beginning with award-winning actor Leonard Nimoy and ending with "Freakonomics" author and John S. Knight lecturer Stephen Dubner.

Other speakers include noted author Helene Stapinski, reality TV program host Morgan Spurlock, respected journalist Calvin Trillin, businessman and former statesman Andrew Young, and Hollywood director Kevin Smith.

Single tickets for Nimoy and Stapinski go on sale Friday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $8 each or $4 each with a University of Akron ID. Single tickets for all the lectures go on sale Sept. 9. All events begin at 7:30 p.m. in E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.

The entire series can be purchased as a subscription for $30 or $18 with a University of Akron ID. For tickets, call the E.J. Thomas ticket office at 330-972-7570. The John S. Knight Lectureship is a free event, but a ticket is required. Akron Forum subscribers will automatically receive a ticket to the Knight Lecture.

In its 12th year, The University of Akron Forum Series brings major speakers to the university and the Northeast Ohio community. The series is supported by the Office of the President and the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost.

Leonard Nimoy launches the series on Thursday, Sept. 14 in conjunction with the second annual Akron Reading Festival. During his presentation, "Leonard Nimoy Celebrates 40 Years of Star Trek," the actor, director, poet and photographer will talk about his role in the history of "Star Trek" and how a new genre for television and movies was created.

Helene Stapinski will speak on Wednesday, Sept. 20. She is the author of "Five Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History," which is the UA 2006 common reading selection and will be used as the basis for class discussions and assignments in many of the general education courses. Also the author of "Baby Plays Around: A Love Affair, With Music," Stapinski has written for The New York Times, New York magazine, Billboard, Real Simple and Food & Wine.

The presentation is sponsored by UA's Office of New Student Orientation and University College.

Calvin Trillin, journalist, novelist and satirist, will speak on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Known for his warm and witty commentaries of the American scene and tales of his foodie adventures as a "happy eater," he writes about politics, family and food in The New Yorker and The Nation. Joining Trillin will be journalist and fellow foodie R.W. "Johnny" Apple Jr. An Akron native, Apple has covered politics and wars for The New York Times and now writes about culture, travel and food.

The presentation, "Among Friends: An Evening of Politics, Family and Food," is sponsored by The University of Akron College of Fine and Applied Arts' Mary Schiller Myers Lecture Series and the School of Communication.

Andrew Young, ambassador, congressman, mayor, humanitarian, ordained minister and international businessman, will speak on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007. His inspirational presentation challenges audiences to push toward peace and justice throughout the world.

"An Evening With Andrew Young" is sponsored by the UA Pan-African Center for Community Studies, NAACP, Project Coming Together and E.J. Thomas Hall.

Morgan Spurlock (February or March 2007 date to be determined) is creator and host of the reality program "30 Days" on the FX Network. As writer, director and producer of the 2004 hit documentary "Super Size Me," he focused on the epidemic of obesity in America, and followed it up with his book, "Don't Eat This Book." With fun and sobering humor, he presents a look at the legal, financial and physical costs of America's hunger for fast food.

The presentation is sponsored by The University of Akron Honors College.

Kevin Smith will appear on Friday, March 2, 2007. Smith burst onto the independent film scene in 1994 with "Clerks," followed by "Mallrats," "Chasing Amy," "Dogma" and the recently released "Clerks II." In his presentation, he candidly reveals his experiences as an actor, producer, writer, director, composer and editor.

The lecture is sponsored by the Zips Programming Network, Residence Hall Program Board and E.J. Thomas Hall.

Author and award-winning journalist Stephen Dubner, the John S. Knight lecturer, will present on Wednesday, April 4, 2007. Co-author of the international best seller "Freakonomics," Dubner presents a wry and unconventional insight on real-life economics. The lecture is free, but requires a ticket.

Return...