Town Hall South announces 47th season
Dr. Eben Alexander
Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter
Peter Greenberg
Bill Strickland
Jack Hanna
Celebrating its 47th year, the Town Hall South lecture series has announced its 2015-2016 lineup. All lectures take place from 10:10-11:10 a.m. at the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre. A series membership – there are no individual event tickets – is $145. For more information, visit www.townahllsouth.com.
Dr. Eben Alexander, Oct. 6, 2015
Dr. Eben Alexander III, an academic neurosurgeon for more than 25 years, thought he had a good idea of how the brain generates consciousness, mind and spirit. But falling ill from a rare bacterial meningitis-encephalitis, he spent a week in a coma with diminishing prospects for survival. His experience revealed that we are conscious in spite of our brain – in fact, consciousness is at the root of all existence. Blessed with a complete recovery, Alexander shares his most powerful life-changing story in his book, “Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife.” Through his nonprofit organization, Eternea, Alexander dedicates himself to encouraging people to be inspired by the power of unconditional love. His latest book is “The Map of Heaven: How Science, Religion, and Ordinary People Are Proving the Afterlife.”
Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter, Nov. 10, 2015
Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter, described as “an innovative and prolific scholar” by Foreign Policy, turns big ideas and deep analysis into realistic strategies for a networked world. As president and CEO of the New America Foundation, she leads a team of scientists, technologists and political and economic thinkers. A contributing editor for The Atlantic, Slaughter became one of the country’s most talked about writers with “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All,” an in-depth and controversial look into the extreme work-life balance of today’s professional women. The author and editor of six books, including “A New World Order” and “The Idea that Is America,” she has published more than 100 scholarly articles in international law and relations.
Peter Greenberg, Dec. 1, 2015
Multiple Emmy-winning investigative reporter and producer, Peter Greenberg is America’s most recognized, honored and respected front-line travel news journalist. Known as “the Travel Detective,” he is the travel editor for CBS News. His newest project, “The Travel Detective with Peter Greenberg,” is a series offering 42 half-hour episodes that seek to empower audiences with travel news, must-have information and insider tips known only to a select few. He also hosts a nationally syndicated radio broadcast, “Peter Greenberg Worldwide.” Greenberg has authored several books, including “The Best Places for Everything,” “Don’t Go There!” and “The Complete Travel Detective Bible.” He received a News & Documentary Emmy Award for outstanding coverage of “Miracle on the Hudson.”
Bill Strickland, Feb. 2, 2016
For 30 years, Bill Strickland has used his innovative arts and training centers to transform the lives of thousands of impoverished adults and teenagers. His message of self-worth inspires audiences. Former eBay president Jeff Skoll describes Strickland as a “genius, because he sees the inherent genius in everyone.” A Pittsburgh native, Strickland was inspired by his high school art teacher and eventually created the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. As a result of his success, in 1971, Strickland was asked to assume leadership of the Bidwell Training Center and guide its transition to providing relevant skills. Today, Manchester Bidwell Corporation has evolved into a national model for education, culture and hope. The model works so well that he is replicating the Manchester Bidwell enterprise throughout the country.
Jack Hanna, March 1, 2016
Animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna is one of the most visible and respected ambassadors between the human and animal worlds. His hands-on approach and insights into the public’s appreciation of wildlife have won him widespread popular acclaim as director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo – conservationist, author, television personality and lifelong adventurer are also on his resume. Jack’s career took off in 1978 when he was offered the directorship of the Columbus Zoo, whichhe transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. Airing since 1993, his television program, “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” now reaches 96 percent of U.S. television households. A dynamic orator, Jack enjoys speaking tours, sharing his globetrotting experiences. He is the author of seven books, in which his timeless tales captivate audiences from every generation.