News

PSU Weekend's Seminar Day brings over 25 free lectures and seminars to the Portland State University campus on Saturday, October 22, 2005. The seminars are free and open to the public and will be held in the Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU-1825 S.W. Broadway), unless otherwise noted.

PSU Weekend is Portland State's nontraditional homecoming organized by the PSU Alumni Association and has been dubbed "Portland State's gift to the city." The series of speakers, events and reunions reconnect alumni and the city to the University, providing an enriching experience that showcases Portland State's programs and faculty.

This year, PSU Weekend will be held October 21-23, with the theme "Building Bridges." The highlight of Seminar Day is the keynote speech at the noon luncheon by Bruce Feiler, author of the New York Times bestsellers Walking the Bible and Abraham-A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths. Tickets for the luncheon are $30; lecture-only admission is $12 and $5 for students.

Seminar Day registration will take place from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the second floor of SMSU. Listed below are some of the events for Seminar Day. For a complete listing of the free seminars and PSU Weekend events please visit www.alumni.pdx.edu. For more information about PSU Weekend or to pre-register call 503-725-4949.

Saturday, October 22
9 a.m.
"Religion and Politics in the Middle East Conflict: A New Look at Iraq and Afghanistan" - Grant Farr, associate dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, PSU
This update on the Middle East will provide you with some analysis of what the underlying religious and political factors are in these conflicts. Farr, a Middle East expert, will lead a discussion of how the conflicts might turn out, and what the U.S. can and should do about them.

Dancing Japanese Culture" - Laurence Kominz, professor of Japanese, Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures, PSU
Professor Kominz, an expert on Japanese dance, will explain and demonstrate why doing Japanese dance helps students learn about traditional culture and deepens their understanding of theatrical literature. The demonstration will include several short dances excerpted from different genres of performance.

10 a.m.
"Carbon Nanotubes: Their Impacts in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology" - Jun Jiao, associate professor of Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering, PSU
What are nanotubes and why are they important? Jun Jiao, a leader in the field of nanotechnology, will provide an introduction into the research and development of carbon nanotubes. Jiao will explore their potential applications in future scientific and engineering developments.

"The Far Out Story of Vortex I" - Matt Love, author, The Far Out Story of Vortex I, educator
Take a trip back in Oregon's history. Enjoy this far out multi-media presentation on the only state-sponsored rock festival in American history, Vortex I, held in McIver Park near Estacada in 1970.

11 a.m.
"A Hunk of Burning Love: Elvis and Post-war Masculinity" - Randy Blazak, associate professor of Sociology, PSU
"The King" made 31 films between 1957 and 1969, a period in which America's thoughts of the "ideal man" dramatically changed. This popular sociologist uses Elvis films to point out the subtle way gender has changed in our culture.

"What's Slow about Slow Food?" - Peter de Garmo, vice chair board of directors, Slow Food U.S.A., owner, Pastaworks, Portland
Join this delightful "foodie" as he recounts the story of "Slow Food," established in Italy in 1986. This movement is spreading its message of retaining the pleasures of the table and supporting biodiversity around the globe.

2 p.m.
"Fitness After Forty" - Bob Williams, director, Running Development, The Sports Lab Training Center
Having a successful exercise routine is not necessarily about what you do, but more about your perceived sense of enjoyment. Learn from this engaging fitness guru how your perceived effort, time availability and planning strategies can improve your fitness after 40.

"Decoding DaVinci" - Jane Kristof, professor emerita of Art History, PSU
Join Professor Kristof as she examines, through a fascinating slide show, the art historical basis of Dan Brown's thriller, The Da Vinci Code.

"The Theory of Poker" - Steven A. Bleiler, professor of Mathematics and Statistics, PSU
Poker is more popular than ever. Have you ever noticed in certain poker games a strong player who just can't seem to beat a table of "nitwits"? It may be that the principles of Game Theory are skewing the game to the advantage of the weaker players. Discover these principles and learn how to make them work to your advantage.

3 p.m.
"Women's Role in Globalization" - Veronica Dujon, associate professor of Sociology, PSU
Join this award-winning professor as she explores the role of women in different cultures and their relation to the global economy. Prof. Dujon has received an outstanding teacher award for the past five years in a row in the Sociology Department.

"Identity Theft At the Speed of the Internet" - Janaka Jayawardena, director of Computing, PSU
The Internet reaches out to the world, but it can also reach back to you. This important lecture covers the various traps set by evildoers to try and get you to give up your identity and what they may do with that information.

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

For Immediate Release (#05-133)