Givens Performing Arts Center > Distinguished Speaker Series

Givens Performing Arts Center
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone: 910.521.6287
Fax: 910.521.6552
Email: gpac@uncp.edu

Location: Givens Performing Arts Center
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2008-09 Distinguished speaker series

The 2008-09 series is presented by the Office of Student Activities to enhance the cultural and political make-up of the University and surrounding community. Tickets for all Speaker Series events are $10 for the general public, $5 for faculty and staff and FREE for UNCP students. Seating is general admission, but reservations are recommended.

All dates and artists subject to change due to availability.

Arianna Huffington
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Arianna Huffington Huffington is a prolific author and the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of 11 books. She is also co-host of Left, Right & Center, public radio’s popular political roundtable program.

In May 2005, she launched The Huffington Post, a news and blog site that has quickly become one of the most widely read, linked to, and frequently-cited media brands on the Internet.
In 2006, she was named to the Time 100, Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people.

Patch Adams
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Hunter Campbell "Patch" Adams is an American medical doctor, social activist, citizen diplomat, professional clown, performer, and author. He founded the Gesundheit! Institute in 1972. Each year he organizes a group of volunteers from around the world to travel to Russia as clowns, to bring hope and joy to orphans, patients, and the people. In 1998 he also visited Bosnia, one of the Balkan Peninsula countries torn apart by the war that started after the break-up of Yugoslavia.

His life was the template for the plot of the film "Patch Adams", starring Robin Williams. Adams is currently based in Arlington, Virginia, where he promotes a different health care model in collaboration with the institute.

Lou Gossett, Jr.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
7:00 p.m.

Oscar and Emmy Award winner Lou Gossett, Jr. is a celebrated actor. His big screen reputation ranges from comedy to riveting performances such as a drug-dealing cutthroat stalking Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset in "The Deep" (1977) catapulted him to wider popularity, but the tough by-the-book drill sergeant in "An Officer and a Gentleman" (1982) won him a Best Supporting Oscar that consolidated his place in the Hollywood hierarchy.

The recipient of every known acting accolade, including multiple Golden Globes, Emmys, and People’s Choice Awards, Lou’s performance has connected him with his fans on a global scale. Organizations such as the NAACP, CARE, and the United States Armed Forces have used his likeness to add validity and integrity to their causes.

Currently, Lou has become the new lead on the popular science fiction series “Stargate SG-1” introducing him to a new generation of fans worldwide. Lou is also developing a nonprofit foundation aimed at creating entertainment that helps bring awareness and education to issues such as racism, ignorance, and societal apathy.

Doug Flutie
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
7:00 p.m.

Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie is a fan-favorite quarterback who played professionally for 21 years, appearing in the United States Football League, the National Footbal League, and the Canadian football league. He is the older brother of the CFL's all-time reception leader Darren Flutie. He has son with autism, Doug Flutie Jr. in whose name a foundation dedicated to autism research has been established.

Flutie first captured the nation's imagination during his senior season in a nationally televised 1984 game against the University of Miami the day after Thanksgving. With Miami completing a dramatic drive to take the lead, 45-41 in the closing minute of the game, Flutie and Boston College had possession at their 20-yard line with 28 seconds to go. After two quick plays, six seconds remained on the clock. In the last play of the game, Flutie completed a desperation Hail Mary caught by Gerard Phelan in the endzone, giving Boston College the win.

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Activities at 910.521.6207

Updated: Friday, June 20, 2008

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