University Series of Lectures and Films Try to Find ‘Justice After 9/11’

The University of Scranton’s Education for Justice series offers to the general public, free of charge, several films, discussions and lectures focusing on the theme “Finding Justice After 9/11.”

Among the upcoming speakers slated for the series is University of Scranton graduate retired Army Col. Mark Volk ‘77, G ’80, who was awarded the Soldier’s Medal, the Army’s highest non-combat award for heroism, for his actions at the Pentagon on 9/11. Volk was recently selected to become the next president of Lackawanna College. He will discuss his incredible experience at the Pentagon and how his training in the Army and at The University of Scranton prepared him for a life of leadership at a lecture on Thursday, March 22, at 7 p.m. in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall.

Additional events include a poetry reading by soldier-poet Brian Turner, 2005 Beatrice Hawley Award and The New York Times “Editor’s Choice” selection, on Tuesday, March 27. An expert on national security, terrorism and civil liberties, Karen Greenberg, director of the Center on National Security at Fordham University, will speak on Tuesday, April 3. Brenda Berkman, the former New York City fire captain, founder of the “United Women Firefighters” organization in New York City ,and director of Women First Responders of 9/11, will speak on Wednesday, April 25. All lectures begin at 7 p.m. at various locations on campus.

In addition to the lectures, the University will show films exploring this theme. Film showings include “Restrepo” on Thursday, April 12, and “Taking the Heat” (a film about Brenda Berkma) on Tuesday, April 17. All films will be shown in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall, beginning at 7 p.m. A discussion led by a University of Scranton faculty member will follow each film.

For additional information, contact Michael Allison, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, at 941-4051 or visit Education for Justice on the web at www.scranton.edu/edjustice.