FSU announces Fall 2010 Faculty Luncheon Series

Over the next several months, a series of speakers will discuss topics related to the theme “The Future of Florida and Florida State University” during the university’s Fall 2010 Faculty Luncheon Series. All of the luncheons, which are open to the public, will take place at the Presbyterian University Center/Westminster House, 548 W. Park Ave. A catered hot lunch will be provided at each event at a cost of $9. (See below for information on reserving a spot.)

The luncheon series is sponsored by the Presbyterian University Center, the FSU Faculty and Friends Club, and the FSU Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The schedule of speakers and topics is as follows:

TUESDAY, SEPT. 21
12:15 P.M.
“ENERGY, OIL, EMISSIONS, AND THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA”
JEFF CHANTON AND IAN MACDONALD
PROFESSORS OF OCEANOGRAPHY
FSU DEPARTMENT OF EARTH, OCEAN, AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE

TUESDAY, OCT. 12
12:15 P.M.
“FINANCING FLORIDA’S UNIVERSITIES”
JIM ZINGALE
FORMER DIRECTOR, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

TUESDAY, NOV. 9
12:15 P.M.
“REFLECTING ON FLORIDA’S ELECTIONS: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE”
BUDDY MACKAY
FORMER FLORIDA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, MEMBER OF CONGRESS
AND STATE LEGISLATOR

TUESDAY, DEC. 14
12:15 P.M.
“REFLECTIONS ON FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY AND ITS FUTURE”
ERIC J. BARRON
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

The luncheon series is timely for several reasons. First, the oil-spill catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico promises to have lasting consequences for both Florida’s environment and its economy, affecting both the immediate coastal region and the state as a whole. The speakers for the first luncheon, Chanton and MacDonald, will address the environmental implications, while the speaker for the second luncheon, Zingale, will discuss the economic climate of the state, with a focus on the funding of the state’s public universities.

Second, partly because of events in the Gulf, Florida’s politics are in an especially uncertain state. MacKay, the speaker for the third luncheon, has a long history of observing and participating in Florida’s political scene. Among other responsibilities, he has been a member of the Florida Legislature, a representative of Florida in the U.S. Congress, and lieutenant governor (and for three weeks, governor) of the state.

Finally, the series is timely because The Florida State University has a new president. The last luncheon of the series will provide the campus community with the opportunity to hear President Barron reflect on the university and its future.

* * * PLEASE NOTE: * * *

Reservations for the luncheons may be mailed to the Presbyterian University Center, 548 W. Park Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32301, with a check made out to the Presbyterian University Center and clearly marked “Faculty Luncheon Series.” The amount of the check should be $9 for one luncheon or $36 for the series. Alternatively, reservations may be made by calling the center at (850) 222-6320 or sending an e-mail to bac4259@fsu.edu. Payment may then be made at the door. All reservations must be made by the Friday morning before each Tuesday luncheon.