Date: July 15, 2012
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

Sinai Forum Presented by Purdue North Central 2012 Season

 

David Gergen Dr. Bob Arnot Brian Lamb Steven Hayes Gordon Clapp

The 59th season of the Purdue University North Central Sinai Forum will open on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at Elston Middle School, 317 Detroit St., in Michigan City. This season the Forum continues its commitment to presenting speakers who explore compelling contemporary issues, thus providing audience members with the unique opportunity to not only hear from experts in their fields speak to topics in the news, but to pose face-to-face questions. This year's series features five programs.

The 2012 Forum season will offer true political insights both before the November presidential election and after. The featured speakers include an adviser to four former presidents as well as a highly respected political journalist and author.

Audience members will also hear from a noted physician/journalist who will speak about health care reform and how it affects everyone. An internationally recognized historian and television icon will share some of his professional experiences. The season will close with a fascinating performance by a well known actor who will transport audience members to another time and place with poet Robert Frost as the guide.

DAVID GERGEN

On Sept. 23, the 2012 Forum Season opens at 7 p.m. with David Gergen addressing “What Can We Expect in 2012? Election Issues and Answers.” As senior political analyst for CNN, a former advisor to four presidents - Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton, and a bestselling author, Gergen is uniquely qualified to share insights into the upcoming presidential election. His thoughtful and interesting analysis of the presidential candidates and the state of the nation will be invaluable for this election.

This program is sponsored by Horizon Bank.

DR. BOB ARNOT

On Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Dr. Bob Arnot will discuss, “What Will Healthcare Reform Really Mean to You?” As a leading medical expert, award-winning journalist and international humanitarian, Arnot is known for bringing vital health and medical information into America's living rooms. He will use that expertise to provide a current assessment of the U.S. healthcare situation.

This program is sponsored by the Duneland Health Council.

BRIAN LAMB

Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. will feature “An Afternoon With Brian Lamb, Founder of C-Span.” Lamb, the founder and former chairman and CEO of C-SPAN, is a noted historian and television icon. More than 100 million households invite Lamb and C-SPAN into their homes as a trusted resource for information on key national issues. His unmatched interview style has made him a cable television mainstay and a champion of political bi-partisanship. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.

STEPHEN HAYES

On Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., Stephen Hayes, columnist for the “Weekly Standard” and bestselling author, will discuss “What Will the Country's Agenda Be Post-election?” While known as a conservative, Hayes has no difficulty calling members of the Republican Party to take on important issues. He has appeared as a political commentator on CNN, The McLaughlin Group, Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CSPAN. His style and depth of knowledge make his assessment of the presidential election an essential program for all voters.

GORDON CLAPP

On Dec. 2 at 3 p.m., the season will conclude with “Gordon Clapp IS Robert Frost” as this gifted actor portrays the beloved poet, Robert Frost. In a tour de force performance, Clapp will become Robert Frost in this preview of his one-man show that is destined for Broadway. Clapp is known for his Emmy-winning role as Greg Medavoy on television's “NYPD Blue.” A stage and film actor, he is also a respected writer, producer and director.

Season subscription tickets are $75 for regular tickets and $150 for patron tickets. Any student with a valid ID will be admitted free.

Those purchasing patron tickets will have an opportunity to meet some of the speakers at a private reception.

The 2012 season is sponsored by the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Hospitals, including Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Michigan City and Crown Point, Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Dyer and Hammond, and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

Tickets can be purchased in person with cash or check at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. Second St., Michigan City; Kabelin Hardware, 512 Andrew Ave., LaPorte; The PNC Advancement Office on the PNC Westville Campus and at PNC - Porter County Undergraduate Center, 600 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso. Tickets can be purchased via credit card at www.sinaiforum.org .

Additional information about the Purdue University North Central Sinai Forum is available at www.sinaiforum.org .