February 13, 2011

For Immediate Release

Valmont executives to discuss global water security during an E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues Simulcast

Note to media: For additional information, contact Alicia O'Donnell at (402) 705-0120.

NOTE:  The previously issued press release included the wrong day of the week for the event. The correct day is Thursday, Feb. 16.

(Hastings, Neb.) – Mogens C. Bay and E. Robert Meaney, executives with irrigation equipment manufacturing company Valmont Industries, Inc., will present a lecture entitled “Is a Global Water Crisis Avoidable?” as part of an E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues.  Hastings College will host a simulcast of the presentation on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the Wilson Center (714 E. 9th St.) The event is free and open to the public.  

As population growth spurs demand for food and places pressure on water supplies, people involved in all aspects of agriculture must consider how best to secure the water supply and water quality. Bay and Meaney will discuss the intersection of science, governance and business in this debate.  

The E.N. Thompson lecture 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 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.