2002-2003 A.R. Sánchez Lecture Series Offers Something for Everyone at TAMIU

If you are interested in creating a safer world for children or in exploring the Second Amendment and gun control, the 2002-2003 installment of the A.R. Sánchez Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series beginning Monday, Sept. 23 at Texas A&M International University promises to nourish inquisitive minds with remarkable presentations by invited lecturers.

One of the invited lecturers, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Betty Williams, will share ideas for peace and justice that focus on children's safety and well-being in a lecture titled, "Creating a Safe World for Our Children," on Sept. 23.

All lectures in the Series will take place at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

Williams, a Northern Irish peace activist, experienced the tragic death of three children in 1976 when an Irish Republican Army terrorist car went out of control after being fired on by British troops. She is the co-creator of Peace People Organization, a movement of Catholics and Protestants dedicated to ending sectarian fighting in Northern Ireland.

For those who want to explore the Spanish origins of Latin American art, Dr. Marion Oettinger, Jr., senior curator of Latin American Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art, will present, "Virgins, Saints, and Sinners: Spanish Roots of Latin American Folk Art" on Monday, Oct. 21. Dr. Oettinger is a cultural anthropologist specializing in Latin American art and culture. He has over 25 years of experience living, working and conducting research in Spain and various parts of Latin America.

The life of Benjamin Franklin will also become the main topic of discussion as Dr. H. W. Brands, Texas A&M University's Distinguished Professor of History and Melbern G. Glasscock Chair in American History presents, "Virtues of Fun and Profit: Benjamin Franklin's Secrets of Success" on Thursday, March 6, 2003. Dr. Brand is Coordinator of the History of the Americas Research Program (HARP) and specializes in U.S. history, diplomatic and international history. He is the author of some 16 books, including The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and a New York Times bestseller.

The Series will conclude with a lecture on the U.S. Constitution and gun control as Dr. Harold M. Hyman, William P. Hobby Professor Emeritus at Rice University, presents "Back to the Firing Line: the Constitutions' Second Amendment and Gun Control" on Wednesday, April 16, 2003. Dr. Hyman is the author of numerous books, reprints, conference proceedings, articles and essays. His major books include Era of Oath: Northern Loyalty Tests During the Civil War and Reconstruction; Stanton: The Life and Times of Lincoln's Secretary of War and A More Perfect Union: the Impact of the Civil war and Reconstruction on the Constitution.

The Series is named after A.R. Sánchez Sr. (1916-1992), a celebrated member of the Laredo community known for his philanthropic efforts, work ethic and generosity.

For further information, please contact the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at (956) 326-2460, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 429 or visit the University's website, http://www.tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu