Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning Distinguished Lecture Series Examines Global Issues and National Security
Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning Distinguished Lecture Series Examines Global Issues and National Security
August 30, 2021 Robert Lane
One of the most well-known offerings through the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College (IRSC) is the popular Distinguished Lecture Series. The series focuses on subjects in foreign policy, the environment, education, health, and the economy. Lectures will be offered once per month, staring December 9 and through April 14 at the Indian River State College Massey Campus in Fort Pierce at 10 a.m. Live simulcast subscriptions are also available.
The following lectures comprise the 2021–‘22 season:
December 9, 2021:
“Restorative Justice”
Kate Bradford, Esq., Associate Professor for the IRSC Criminal Justice program, started
her professional life as a criminal defense attorney and spent a decade litigating
cases ranging from misdemeanors to capital cases. Her presentation focuses on the
concept of restorative justice and its current application in our court systems. Restorative
justice is the theory of punishment that seeks to repair the harm done by an offender
through reconciliation and mediation. While not a new theory, there has been limited
application in our current criminal justice system. Bradford discusses why this might
be and what implementation might look like.
January 6, 2022:
“Biowarfare: A Review Underscoring an Alarming Weapons of Mass Destruction Threat”
Dr. Barry J. Erlick served in academia and the military as a principal research microbiologist
and in the federal government as a senior member of the national intelligence community.
Dr. Erlick is a university research professor and the President of BJE Associates,
Inc. Dr. Erlick will cover bioweapons and their historical use; the international
approach to outlawing national biowarfare programs; and the former national bioweapons
programs of Japan, the United Kingdom, the U.S. and former Soviet Union. He provides
an overview of offensive activities of nations currently suspected of maintaining
biowarfare programs, bioterrorism, including targeting human populations and agriculture,
and recent warnings from high-level informed authorities.
February 10, 2022:
“A Journey from the Mountains of Colorado to Space”
Steve Swanson is a retired NASA astronaut and a Distinguished Educator in Residence
at Boise State University. Swanson earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering
Physics from the University of Colorado, a Master of Applied Science Degree in Computer
Systems from Florida Atlantic University, and a Doctorate Degree in Computer Science
from Texas A&M University. During his NASA career, Swanson completed five spacewalks
totaling 28 hours, 5 minutes and accumulated 195 days, 15 hours, 41 minutes in space.
Mr. Swanson speaks about his journey to becoming an astronaut and his many missions
into space.
March 24, 2022:
“Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades Ecosystem Restoration in South Florida’s Growing
Population”
Gary Ritter is the Administrator for the City of Okeechobee and has worked on water
management issues in the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades (KOE) ecosystem for 44 years.
During his career, Ritter spent 36 years with the South Florida Water Management District
and worked with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation as an advocate for sustainable
agriculture in South Florida. Mr. Ritter discusses the challenges of modifying the
water management system in South Florida to meet restoration goals while maintaining
the same level of flood control, water supply and recreational services within the
growing population in South Florida. Mr. Ritter also touches on political mandates
to improve water quality and mitigate public health concerns associated with water
quality and water management within the KOE system.
April 14, 2022:
“Front Toward Enemy: War, Veterans, and the Homefront”
Dr. Daniel R. Green is a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He served four times
in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and with the U.S. Department of State as political
advisor to a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Dr. Green discusses his
war experiences with a different perspective on the transition home. Using philosophical,
literary, cultural, historical, and political perspectives, Dr. Green provides a venue
for his conversations with fellow veterans about their experiences to assist others
with their transition from war and the military to peace and civilian life. Dr. Green
provides not just a war veteran’s view but also the amplifying perspective of a political
scientist—as well as a reserve officer and defense official—to rescue the issue of
the returning veteran from the field of psychology and to broaden the understanding
of the experience of war for veterans.
The Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the lecture. Lectures last approximately one hour and are followed by a moderated 30-minute question and answer session. Registration for the five-part series is $150 per person for nonmembers; $100 per person for members and peer leaders. If available, individual lecture seats are offered at $35 one week prior to each of the lectures.
For more information, or to subscribe by phone, call 772-462-7880. To subscribe online, visit www.irscfoundation.org.
