September 2, 2011

For Immediate Release

Hastings College to host E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues Simulcast featuring Nobel Prize-winning Kenyan environmental leader

(Hastings, Neb.) – The 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner will address environmental and governance issues when Hastings College hosts an E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues simulcast on Wednesday, September 28 at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the Wilson Center.  The event is free and open to the public. 

Dr. Wangari Maathai, founder of the internationally recognized Green Belt Movement and assistant minister for environment and natural resources in Kenya, will present “Environment, Democracy and Peace – A Critical Link”.  The lecture will originate from the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and simulcast to seven locations across the state.

Founded in 1977 by Dr. Maathai, the Green Belt Movement supports women as they plant trees across Africa.  As of result of the movement’s efforts, women have planted more than 30 million new trees across Africa, thus promoting conservation and empowering women to take active roles in environmental policies crafted by their local and national governments. 

The series, which will focus on water and global security throughout the 2011-2012 academic year, is named in honor of E.N. “Jack” Thompson, who served as president of the Cooper Foundation from 1964 to 1990 and as its chairman from 1990 until his death in 2002. Thompson established the series to promote better understanding of world events and issues for all Nebraskans.

The simulcasts, sponsored by the Cooper Foundation, Nebraska Humanities Council and colleges and universities across the state, allow more Nebraskans to have the opportunity to benefit from outstanding speakers and community discussion. Details about the E.N. Thompson Forum are available at http://enthompson.unl.edu.

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,190 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

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