Bridges Academy Lectureship Series
Education is central to the University of San Diego's mission, and our commitment to education travels beyond campus borders. The Bridges Academy is a lectureship series which aims to quite literally “bridge” the gap between the retired community of San Diego and USD through educational opportunities. Because a sense of community is such an integral part of education here at USD, the Bridges Academy is designed to foster relationships with those outside the campus and raise awareness of university events.
It is the vitality of our host communities, united with the academic and cultural power of USD that results in extraordinary, mutually beneficial relationships. These relationships help to enrich lives both here at USD and in the community. Because we believe educational development is the key to cultivating such relationships, we cordially invite you to join our lectureship series and experience the wonder and growth education provides. These exciting and valuable lectures are given by leading professors, alumni and students and take place on USD’s picturesque campus.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a program fostering life-long learning for those 55 years and older. U3A is a three-week program providing interesting speakers and workshops, and is offered by the Division of Continuing Education at USD, in January and July of each year.
For more information, please visit the University of Third Age Web pages.
A Dramatic Education: Theatre Arts at USD
Presented by Robert Berry Fleming, director and associate professor, USD Department of Theatre Arts
Wednesday, February 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
The mission of the Theatre Arts Program of the University of San Diego is to present and promote theatre as an essential component of civilization, one that educates and entertains. Join Professor Fleming to learn how students develop skills in theatrical design, costume construction, and stage management. What goes into an undergraduate/MFA production? How are productions selected? How are students selected for the prestigious MFA/Old Globe (Master of Fine Arts) program?
The Galilean Jesus: The Archaeology of Nazareth and Gospel TrianglePresented by Patrick Geyer, research associate, USD Department of Anthropology
Wednesday, February 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Pack your bags (and sunscreen) and take a trip to 1st Century Galilee. Get glimpse at the political and environmental background by examining the recent archaeology of Nazareth, and Sepphoris, the Galilean capital of Herod Antipas, where Jesus grew to be a man. Professor Geyer’s approach will include insights from scripture, the 1st Century writings of Josephus, the recent writings of respected scholars in archaeology, as well as his own experiences and insights on the subject.
Presented by Richard Stroik, professor, USD Department of Languages and Literatures
Wednesday, March 4, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Journey into the life of Algerian-born French author, philosopher, journalist and Nobel Prize winner, Albert Camus. Camus is best known as a novelist and essayist whose ideas on the absurd form the basis of a moral philosophy that examines the struggle for human solidarity in the face of an uncaring and hostile universe. Yet Camus thought of himself as primarily an artist. Join Professor Stroik as he illustrates the ways in which the "lyric" quality of Camus' writings are an integral part of his response to man's existential dilemma.
Fiscal Fitness: What Goes Up Must Come Down - How to Invest in a Volatile EconomyPresented by Brett D’Arcy, Director of Investment and Research, CBIZ Financial Solutions, Inc.
Wednesday, March 25, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
If you’ve been frustrated by the market this past year, you're not alone! Join Brett D’Arcy as he sheds some light on the current economic environment and makes some recommendations for how to assess your situation. What will the economy hold in 2009 and beyond? How do you invest your portfolio to weather such economic turmoil? You do not want to miss this presentation!!
The Big Blue: Learning from Our OceansPresented by Nathalie Reyns, professor, USD Department of Marine Science
Wednesday, April 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Life in the sea is diverse, exciting, and complex. And although much of the world’s oceans are still shrouded in mystery, researchers like Professor Reyns travel to world-wide sites in the hopes of shedding light on some of the more peculiar organisms and their behaviors. Although these behaviors may seem insignificant on the outset, they have extremely important ecological implications for today’s world and the marine conservation effort. Join Professor Reyns as she shares about her latest research trip to Saudi Arabia as well as insights about how the global climate crisis is affecting our oceans.
Pass, Set, Spike!Presented by Brent Hilliard, Associate Head Coach, USD Women’s Volleyball
Wednesday, April 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
“Set your goals high and don't stop 'till you get there.” Those are the words of Bo Jackson, the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major professional sports. Here at USD, the Women’s Volleyball program seems to have taken those words to heart. The Toreros concluded this past 2008 regular-season with a 23-4 overall record and won their third consecutive West Coast Conference championship! Join Coach Hilliard to learn more about these amazing student athletes. How are the athletes recruited? How do the players balance their rigorous academic requirements and busy travel schedules? What does the future hold for USD Women’s Volleyball? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
To Be or Not to Be: Democracy in MoroccoPresented by Aboubaker Jamai, visiting professor, USD Department of Political Science
Wednesday, May 6, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Is Morocco on the path of democratization? Do a seemingly free electoral process, a liberal women status reform and a formal recognition of the regime’s past human right abuses, amount to political liberalization? How does it square with the monarchy’s refusal to reform an undemocratic constitution, and its repression of the independent press? Jamai, a visiting professor from Morocco, is a recipient of the International Press Freedom Award (2003), a fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University and publisher and former editor of Le Journal Hebdomadaire (Casablanca).
The War Next Door: Border Politics and Security in MexicoPresented by David Shirk, director, Trans-Border Institute and Justice in Mexico Project
Wednesday, May 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Mexico has been at battle with a seemingly endless wave of lawlessness. With reports about kidnappings, murders, and gang-related crimes appearing in the news almost daily, one begins to wonder if justice will ever prevail. Join Director David Shirk as he discusses reforming the administration of justice in Mexico. How will the government deal with police corruption? Overcrowded prisons? How are these events affecting the U.S.-Mexican relationship and the border region? Come learn about the amazing Trans-Border Institute and the life-changing work being done by USD students and faculty.