Syracuse University

Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence Marvin Druger will make a multimedia presentation Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. on "Making Science Exciting," launching the 2003 season of the University Neighbors Lecture Series.

Druger, a professor of biology and science education at Syracuse University, will talk about his renowned teaching strategies and share his advice for solving the vexing problem of how to motivate unmotivated students. A longtime favorite of SU students and winner of the University's highest honor for teaching excellence, Druger has taught more than 40,000 students and has been president of three national organizations, including the National Science Teachers Association, the largest science education organization in the world. He is the recipient of over a dozen honors, including the Robert H. Carleton Award for National Leadership in Science Education (2000).

The series, a fund raiser for the Westcott Community Center (WCC), has raised more than $10,000 to date. "The lecture series enhances our ability to provide community programming for the 25,000 people that pass through the Center's doors," says Steve Susman, Executive Director of the WCC. Each lecture in the series will be held at the WCC, located at the corner of Westscott Street and Euclid Avenue.

An annual event, the series covers a range of topics from community affairs to politics. In keeping with the neighborly theme of the lectures, all presenters are from the University neighborhood.

Susman encourages people to come and meet their neighbors, welcomes people from outside the neighborhood to attend the lectures and invites everyone in attendance to join in discussion and share refreshments after each presentation.

Future University Neighbors lectures include:

• Sunday, Feb. 9, 3:00 p.m. - "Stories Beyond Boundaries." Francis McMillan Parks, director of Students offering Service and African American Programs at Hendricks Chapel, will tell stories with powerful themes about social justice, slavery and freedom. When Ms. Parks begins story telling she may start hand-slapping and finger-snapping; the audience soon finds itself as absorbed in her tales. This is a family event, and child care is available for young children.
  
  
• Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. - "Bombs, Politics and Scandal." David Bennett is a Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence in History at Syracuse University, and a popular teacher of political and military history of the 20th century. His choice of subject will be determined by current affairs at the time.
  
  
• Sunday, April 6, 3:00 p.m. - "Peace, Culture and the Relentless Pursuit of Justice." Dik Cool, publisher and founder of Syracuse Cultural Workers, Inc., will discuss the history of the Peace Council and peace activism in Syracuse. His personal observations on history in the making over the past 30 years will likely stir memories and thoughtful reflections from the audience.
  
  

Following each lecture there will be a chance to meet speakers and neighbors, and refreshments will be provided.

Tickets are priced at $10 per lecture; Season tickets are $35 for a guaranteed seat at all lectures. Discounted student tickets cost $5, with limited scholarships available. Patron tickets cost $75, and all ticket sales are tax deductible; more information can be had by calling 478-8634.