James Earl Jones Highlights 2002-2003 Speaker Series

The Office of Student Activities of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke announced the 2002-2003 Distinguished Speaker Series. The line-up includes James Earl Jones and Henry Winkler.

Next year's season offers diverse of entertaining speakers. Whether you are a fan of "Star Wars," "The Lion King," "West Side Story," or "Happy Days," there is something in the series for you.

More than 5,000 people attended last year's series, and UNCP administrators are excited about the growing interest in the program.

"Our students have enjoyed the opportunity to hear and ask questions of individuals on the cutting edge of many issues in our society," Chancellor Allen C. Meadors said. "This is also something that benefits the larger community surrounding our university."

Chancellor Meadors said the community support has been exciting for the university.

"Maya Angelou performed in front of an audience of almost 3,000. It was incredibly exciting and an indicator of how far we have come with the series," Chancellor Meadors said. "I wish even more people would take advantage of this service to our students and extended community."

The news series is set to begin Tuesday, Sept. 24 with former CNN Headline News anchor Lynne Russell. Russell co-hosted "The Week In Review." She is also a licensed private investigator. Russell is a first-degree black belt in Choi Kwang-Do, a bodyguard to visiting film stars and celebrities, and a Fulton County deputy sheriff in the reserve division. She is the author of "How to Win Friends, Kick Ass and Influence People."

Continuing the series Tuesday, Nov. 12 is actor Henry Winkler, best known as "The Fonz" in the long-time hit show "Happy Days." Although Winkler's leather jacket is hanging in The Smithsonian and re-runs of the show continue to air on Nickelodeon's "Nick At Night" program, the actor continues to stay busy directing and producing TV shows. He even makes occasional appearances in movies like "The Waterboy" and "Little Nicky," which he did with friend Adam Sandler. He recently won an Emmy nomination for his performance in ABC's "The Practice."

James Earl Jones, the legendary actor with the unforgettable voice, is the third speaker in the series, appearing Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003 (Homecoming week). Jones' voice gave character to the villainous Darth Vader in the renowned "Star Wars" Trilogy, but his resume does not stop there. He has appeared in several Tom Clancy thrillers, such as "Clear and Present Danger" and "Patriot Games."

Appearing March 11, 2003 is Rita Moreno, a regular in the hit HBO original series "Oz." Moreno is well known as the only female performer to have won an Oscar, a Tony, and a Grammy Award. She also starred in the classic motion picture "West Side Story."

Ending the series on April 28, 2003 is Kelvin Sampson. A Pembroke native, Sampson is a 1978 UNCP graduate and head basketball coach at Oklahoma University. Oklahoma made the final four of the NCAA basketball tournament in March.

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