Fall 2006 Arts and Lecture Series to Begin Oct. 10

Pennsylvania College of Technology's Fall 2006 Arts and Lecture Series gets under way Oct. 10 with comedian Melanie Reno, who will share the compelling story of her battle with alcohol abuse while a college student.

Reno's "College Lush Tour" performance, which begins at 8 p.m. in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium, is also part of Alcohol Awareness Week activities at Penn College.

After several years of partying with sorority sisters, Reno found she could no longer control the amount of alcohol she drank or the effect it had upon her. By relating her story with humor and sincerity, she hopes to help other young adults identify their own dangerous drinking habits.

The Fall 2006 Arts and Lecture Series performances, which are presented by the Student Activities Office at Penn College, are free and open to the public. The Nov. 7 program is sponsored by the Wildcat Events Board at Penn College; the Dec. 1 program is sponsored by the Wildcat Events Board and Student Health Services.

On Oct. 17, Daniel L. Brooks, instructor of architecture technology at Penn College, will make a presentation in the "My Last Words" series, in which student-selected faculty answer the question, "What would you tell your friends and family if you could leave them with one last thought?"

Brooks' presentation titled "Surely You Aren't Going to Eat All That!?" will address the importance of resisting the temptation to pile too many things onto life's plate and recognizing how a purpose, a plan and a set of priorities can make a world of difference. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. in Penn's Inn on the second floor of the Bush Campus Center.

On Nov. 2, "demonologist" John Zaffis will offer his unique program about the paranormal at 8 p.m. in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium. Through hands-on study and investigation spanning more than 30 years, Zaffis has gained knowledge and understanding of the "unknown," and is considered one of the foremost authorities in demonology.

He has been featured on the Discovery Channel's documentaries, "A Haunting in Connecticut" and "Little Lost Souls,"as well as Lifetime's "Unsolved Mysteries." He is the co-author of "Shadows of the Dark."

Slam poet Asia will perform on Nov. 7; the program begins at 8 p.m. in CC Commons on the first floor of the Bush Campus Center.

Asia's poems dig deep into the emotions, focusing on topics that include his personal battle with cancer and the stereotypes, prejudices and biases he has encountered in his life.

On Nov. 14, the second and final "My Last Words" program will be presented by Bruce A. Wehler, instructor of English/speech communication at Penn College.

Wehler's program, titled "Surely, Joy Is the Condition of Life," will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Penn's Inn. The presentation will challenge attendees to discover, experience and cherish the joyous times in their lives.

On Dec. 1, a World AIDS Day benefit featuring comedian Ronnie Jordan and the band Ludo will be offered at 8 p.m. in Penn's Inn.

Jordan's unique comedic style includes hilarious impressions and jokes. He'll be followed on stage by the St. Louis-based Ludo, which has forged its reputation with performances at ESPN's Winter X Games, the NCAA Basketball Final Four celebration and MTV's Spring Break.

For more information about the Student Activities Office at Penn College, call (570) 327-4763 or visit online.