October 18, 2011

For Immediate Release

“Saving your . . . .” symposium explores aspects of consumerism

Note to media: For more information, contact Dr. Jerri Thompson at jthompson@hastings.edu or (402) 461-7373 or Kyle Chesterman at kchesterman@hastings.edu or (308) 962-0184 .

(Hastings, Neb.) – The 2011 student-run Artist Lecture Series (ALS) symposium will focus on consumerism.  The two-day event begins on Tuesday, Oct. 25th at 7 p.m. in French Memorial Chapel (800 N. Turner Ave.)  All lectures are free to the public and, except as noted, will take place in the Chapel.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

7 p.m.        “Saving your . . . . credit”  
Former financial planner Peter Bielagus will discuss best practices for maintaining a solid credit rating.  Once $5,000 in credit card debt as a college freshman, Bielagus took control of his finances and now uses the lessons he learned to counsel  young people.  Author of two books on personal finance, he has appeared in national media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and PBS.

8 p.m.        “Buying into A Capella”
HC a cappella group 1-2-5 will sing songs related to consumerism.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

8 a.m.        Press Conference
                  Gray Center Studio A (1100 N. Elm St.)
All three speakers will participate in a moderated panel discussion.

11 a.m.    “Saving your . . . . wallet”
Kristen Hagopian, author of Brilliant Frugal Living, will provide money- saving strategies she employed when she left the 9-5 work world to stay at home with her daughter.  Through her Brilliant Frugal Living blog, her appearances on national consumer reporting segments, a newspaper column and a talk radio show, she continues to share tip for spending less but living better.

2 p.m.        “Saving your . . . . memories”
Dr. Ryan T. Howell, director of the Personality and Well-Being Lab, will discuss
the concepts of experiential buying and living.   Dr. Howell’s ongoing research has demonstrated that spending money and time on experiences for oneself and for others contributes more to happiness than accumulating material goods.  

7 p.m.        “Saving your . . . . future”
The previous speakers will reconvene for an additional question and answer session regarding consumerism and the specific topics they discussed.

In addition to his lecture, Peter Bielagus has made himself available for one-on-one financial counseling sessions throughout Wednesday, Oct. 26.  

This symposium is made possible by the ALS Student Symposium Committee, Artist Lecture Series Committee, Perkins Library and Student Association.

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 1,150 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.