Anchorage, AK – Alaska Pacific University is pleased to announce the return of the 2nd Annual Leah J. Peterson Speaker Series. Beginning on Monday, February 26th, APU will host the Leah J. Peterson Speaker Series; an event started by APU in 2017. This year’s theme is People-Powered Progress – What Can We Do With What We Have? All three events are FREE and open to the public.
The first event is on Monday, February 26th at APU’s Brown Auditorium in Grant Hall and will feature a lecture and Q&A, focusing on the topic of Trauma and How We Heal. The keynote speaker is Shannon Cosgrove, MHA, Director of Health Policy at Cure Violence. Ms. Cosgrove believes that “Trauma has a tremendous impact on our health from depression to obesity and sometimes further trauma. Research has proven that entire communities can prevent many forms of trauma and begin to heal from its devastating impact. This talk will focus on the data that explains the magnitude of the problem as individuals and as a collective, strategies that are working to reverse these trends and tools for day to day living that will lead us all closer to healthier, safer, more equitable lives.”
Immediately following the lecture will be a reception in the ConocoPhillips Gallery.
The second event will be held on Tuesday, February 27th, also at APU’s Brown Auditorium. Keynote speaker Dr. Jordan P. Lewis, BSW, MSW and CPG will explore the topic of Our Resilient Characteristics. Dr. Lewis is an Aleut from the Native Village of Naknek and is an Associate Professor of Medical Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage, WWAMI School of Medical Education. Dr. Lewis’ research identifies characteristics that enable Alaska Native elders to age well. Using the lessons and experiences of elders, Dr. Lewis develops culturally-tailored approaches for family and community members to improve the health of all generations.
Immediately following the lecture will be a reception in the ConocoPhillips Gallery.
The culminating event is on Wednesday, February 28th at APU’s Rasmuson Hall. Creating, Together will be a special Parlor in the Round hosted by Kevin Worrell, BFA in conjunction with Karissa La Ren Du Preé, ASAPU President. It will feature popular Alaskan singer-songwriters Melissa Mitchell (Hope Social Club), Nick Carpenter (Medium Build) and Phillip Blanchett (Pamyua). In 2014, producer and composer, Kevin Worrell, developed the ongoing series: Parlor In The Round. Borrowing from the guitar pull tradition of porches and campfires, stories and songs are shared over an evening to include moments of belly laughter, sincere listening, and audience input. Musicians from all walks of Alaska-life perform, connecting the audience to each other and the world we inhabit. The heart of “the parlor” is to inspire artists and Alaska’s audiences, around the craft of songwriting, improvisation, and creative-play on an organizational level. The Anchorage-based series has been produced in spaces across Alaska and has featured internationally acclaimed artists.
Free & Open to the Public
- February 26, 2018 – APU’s Brown Auditorium & ConocoPhillips Gallery (Grant Hall)
6 pm – 7 pm, Reception to Follow – Lecture with Q&A
Trauma & How We Heal – Shannon Cosgrove, MHA - February 27, 2018 – APU’s Brown Auditorium & ConocoPhillips Gallery (Grant Hall)
6 pm – 7 pm, Reception to Follow – Lecture with Q&A
Our Resilient Characteristics – Dr. Jordan P. Lewis, BSW, MSW, CPG - February 28, 2018 – APU’s Rasmuson Hall (2nd floor of Atwood Center)
5:30 pm Doors Open & Hors D’Oeuvres; 6 pm – 8:30 pm Show
Creating, Together: Parlor in the Round hosted by Kevin Worrell, BFA with Karissa La Ren Du Preé, ASAPU President
