Bridges Academy Lectureship Series
Education is central to the University of San Diego's mission, and
our commitment to education travels beyond campus borders. The Bridges
Academy is a lectureship series which aims to quite literally “bridge” the
gap between the retired community of San Diego and USD through educational
opportunities. Because a sense of community is such an integral part
of education here at USD, the Bridges Academy is designed to foster
relationships with those outside the campus and raise awareness of
university events.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a program fostering life-long learning for those 55 years and older. U3A is a three-week program providing interesting speakers and workshops, and is offered by the Division of Continuing Education at USD, in January and July of each year.
For more information, please visit the University of Third Age Web pages.
While the lectureship series is free to all participants, the Office of Planned Giving encourages growth of the Bridges Academy Endowed Scholarship Fund. We are pleased to announce that in the spring of 2005, this fund achieved the minimum amount of $50,000 and became an “endowed fund”. It will now award two $1,000 scholarships each year. Recipients will be a fine arts student and a general education student. Our goal is to continue to grow this fund to help ensure that students from a variety of backgrounds will be able to enjoy a quality education here at USD. We sincerely thank all of you for your support and interest and look forward to seeing you on campus.
Cracking the Poverty Conundrum: Socially Inclusive Business in Latin America
Presented by Patricia Marquez, visiting professor, USD Department of International Business
Thursday, September 25, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
The most humanly costly problem confronting global society is poverty. The tenacity of the problem calls for fundamental rethinking and innovative approaches. The private sector and entrepreneurs are now paying attention to the so-called “base-of-the-pyramid”, looking for ways to energize capabilities and engage the poor as consumers, producers, or business partners. In this presentation Professor Patricia Márquez explores the role socially inclusive business is playing in transforming Latin America. She will share innovative examples to uncover “what’s needed” for developing these new ventures, highlighting how wealth creation can be effectively combined with social change.
Márquez is a visiting professor at USD from Venezuela. An anthropologist by training, she has done extensive work in Latin America. She currently teaches courses how business can be a positive agent for world change.
Muslim Women: The Case of the VeilPresented by Bahar Davary, assistant professor, USD Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Wednesday, October 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Professor Davary will address the significance of the Veil and its meaning in textual tradition and in practice. Veiling is not an exclusively Islamic practice. It exists in Christianity and Judaism and has been practiced in great civilizations of the past. Is the practice of veiling in Islam essentially different? Is it more than a religious matter? Is it a symbol of political Islam? Is it fundamentalism or simply in keeping with tradition? Does it promote women’s oppression? And if so, is banning the veil a step in the pursuit of women’s liberation?
USD’s Hidden Jewel: The David W. May American Indian CollectionPresented by Alana Cordy-Collins, professor, USD Department of Anthropology
Wednesday, October 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER
Intense pastel landscapes, along with fragrances of wild sage and pi.on, were only part of what drew the Robert May family to the American Southwest during the 1970s. Most captivating of all were the native peoples and their superb artistic traditions. Bob, Zama, and their son David, a USD student, together experienced many memorable trips throughout Arizona and New Mexico, sometimes camping, sometimes visiting trading posts and pueblos. And during their travels they collected pottery, silver jewelry, and weavings.
In 1994 the May family bequeathed their 1600-piece collection to the University of San Diego, along with an endowment for its maintenance and development. As steward for the May Collection, USD’s Anthropology Department continually develops special programs to promote this exceptional collection.
Now standing at close to 2000 items—including prize winners and commissioned pieces—the David W. May American Indian Collection is a jewel that merits showcasing. Collection Director, Dr. Alana Cordy-Collins will visually highlight the special character of this remarkable asset to the University.
Presented by Kenneth P. Serbin, professor, USD Department of History
Wednesday, November 5, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
In September 1969 a group of young revolutionaries in Brazil kidnapped U.S. Ambassador Charles Burke Elbrick and wounded him in the process. What caused these individuals to oppose the U.S. government, and what can we learn from their experience about nationalism, torture, and terrorism? Kenneth Serbin shares his thoughts on this topic as he prepares a new book on Brazil’s anti- imperialist revolutionaries.
Fiscal Fitness: Reverse Mortgage vs. Life Estate Gift AnnuityPresented by John Phillips, Senior Director of Planned Giving, USD
Thursday, November 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
You, your parents, or a friend may be living in a gold mine! Come to this Bridges Academy Fiscal Fitness presentation and learn how to get income from your home. Many people have explored and sometimes completed a reverse mortgage, but are there other alternatives that will also provide significant income for your current and future needs? John Phillips, Senior Director of Planned Giving, will compare the differences between the reverse mortgage offered by some lenders and the life estate gift annuity offered by some charities, including the University of San Diego.
Shakespeare and the GreeksPresented by Peter Kanelos, professor, USD Department of English
Wednesday, December 3, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
William Shakespeare lived and wrote during the Renaissance and, like his contemporaries, was fascinated with the world of antiquity. Professor Kanelos will explore the representation of Greece in the plays of Shakespeare, illustrating how the Bard transformed ancient tales of love, lust and power into his own.
Kanelos teaches in the Department of English and in the Old Globe/USD MFA in Dramatic Arts program. He is currently editing new editions of Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night, as well as a collection of essays on Shakespeare and performance. He has lectured nationally and internationally on Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama.
Friday, December 5, dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m., concert at 8 p.m.
Douglas F. Manchester Executive Conference Center, Room 206
Dinner: $45 per person, includes concert
This tradition is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious food and delightful company. Meet the scholarship winners as we award them $1,000 each from the Bridges Academy Endowed Scholarship Fund- a fund which many of you generously contribute to. Following the dinner, enjoy an amazing performance by the USD Choral Scholars and Concert Choir. Separate invitations will be mailed out later in the semester, but sign up early to reserve your spot.