News

Bruce Feiler, author, journalist and lecturer, comes to Portland State University in October as the keynote speaker for PSU's 15th annual community educational event, "PSU Weekend." Feiler will speak at the noon luncheon on Saturday, October 22, 2005, on "Can We All Get Along? Building Bridges Among the Religions in the 21st Century."

At a moment when the world is asking, "Can the religions get along?" Bruce Feiler offers a powerful interfaith message and a hopeful vision for peace and reconciliation. His work has helped bring people together, sparking dialogue about faith and community, religion and politics, and shared values. The luncheon with Bruce Feiler is the highlight of PSU Weekend, which also features 25 free lectures on a variety of topics including secrets in the art of The Da Vinci Code, Japanese dancing, avoiding identity theft and slow food.

Seating for the Feiler lunch, to be held in the ballroom at Portland State's Smith Memorial Student Union (1825 S.W. Broadway, third floor) is $30; lecture-only admission is $12 and $5 for students. A reception at Urban Wineworks will be held on Friday, October 21, and will give guests the opportunity to meet and talk with Feiler in person. Tickets for the reception, which include entrance to Feiler's luncheon the next day, cost $125. Members of the public who would like to attend either event should call 503-725-4949 for reservations. Media should email or fax requests to Trish Turchiarolo-Vanoni at vanoni@pdx.edu or 503-725-5074.

Hailed as one of the leading writers of his generation, Bruce Feiler is a New York Times best-selling author. An award-winning journalist and speaker, Feiler has visited over sixty countries, immersing himself in different cultures and recording his experiences in his six critically-acclaimed books. He has been a school teacher in Japan (Learning to Bow), a circus clown (Under the Big Top), and a traveler with singer Garth Brooks (Dreaming Out Loud). His most current book, Where God Was Born, combines the adventure of a wartime chronicle, the excitement of an archaeological detective story and the insight of personal spiritual exploration.

PSU Weekend, this year under the theme of "Building Bridges," runs October 21-23 and offers 25 free lectures on Seminar Day, Saturday, October 22. All lectures are held in the Smith Memorial Student Union (1825 S.W. Broadway) unless otherwise noted. Call 503-725-4949 for more information or to pre-register. PSU Weekend is Portland State's nontraditional homecoming organized and sponsored by the PSU Alumni Association.

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Source: Trish Turchiarolo-Vanoni (503-725-8210)
PSU Alumni Relations

For Immediate Release (#05-132)