Myriad lectures coming up at BSU

The Treasure Valley offers a number of Lecture series, several of which are sponsored or presented by Boise State. Here are just a few of those series and information on how your can get involved.

Vox Discipuli

1)Vox Discipuli aims to enrich the educational experience of Boise State University students and the community by presenting lectures, panels and debates on contemporary topics relevant to students.

2)Vox Discipuli is student-run. Approximately a year ago, two Boise State students researched the kind of political speakers brought to campus. Their findings showed that $310,000 was spent on bringing more liberal-minded speakers and no money was spent on more conservative speakers. They took this information to the state legislature and Boise State President Robert Kustra. Vox Discipuli was formed.

3)A lecture takes place every semester. Fall semester 2008 Vox Discipuli brought journalists Jonah Goldberg and Peter Beinart for the Red vs. Blue debate. The next lecture will be held in the spring.

4)The committee meets every Friday at 12:40 p.m., usually in the Student Union Building or at The Arbiter. Time is subject to change.

5)Committee chair is Michael Reed, voxdiscipuli-chair@boisestate.edu

Brandt Lecture Series

1)The Brandt Foundation Lectures looks to bring noted speakers to Boise State who have made important contributions to public understanding of individual liberty, free markets, limited government and the Constitution.

2)John Brandt and his wife Orah served as community leaders in Nampa throughout their lives. They actively supported private and public education and other community endeavors with both financial contributions and commitment of their time. Like John, Orah was honored throughout her life for her community involvement. Both John and Orah held an abiding belief in the value and virtue of free enterprise. Nobel Laureate James M. Buchanan gave the inaugural lecture of the series in 2004.

3)The lectures take place annually. Economist Robert Higgs spoke for the 2008-2009 lecture.

4)Boise State Professor Charlotte Twight selects the speakers and manages the annual events. Committee chair is Charlotte Twight, ctwight@boisestate.edu

Fettuccine Forum Lecture Series

1)The Fettuccine Forum is an educational forum about the history and cultural life of Boise and the Treasure Valley. It promotes good citizenship and responsible growth through public education.

2)In 1989 the restaurant owner of "Noodles" arranged with Boise State’s College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs to bring political speakers to campus. Four years ago, the mayor of Boise became involved in the lecture. The university provides fettuccine and the City of Boise brings either political, art or city planning speakers. “It’s a free opportunity to get a little bit of intellectual stimulation but not too much,” Director of the History Department Todd Shallot said.

3)The forum takes place every first Thursday during the regular school session. The next forum is Thursday, Nov. 6.

4)There is no committee for the Forum. The City Department runs it.

5)City Historian Tully Gerlaeh is the contact person, cityhistorian@cityofboise.org

Compiled by SONIA TREVIZO
Arbiter Journalist

Related Posts:

1. Economist to speak about government
2. Brandt Foundation to bring Napolitano to BSU
3. The Vox talks
4. The Fettuccine Forum presents lectures
5. New Vox Discipuli lecture series offers a student-voiced alternative