Dear Senior Scholars,
A pleasant morning to you all . . .
At a meeting on July 8, the Senior Scholars Board approved a virtual format for speaker presentations for September, October and November. In light of this shifting and unpredictable pandemic and the restrictive measures that are certain to continue, the Board determined that this is our best option. Even if safety measures become less restrictive, our plan is to continue with the virtual format through 2020 in order to assure the health and safety of our members and speakers.
We plan for eleven speakers during this second half of 2020. I have listed four presenters - hoping to encourage your eagerness to return to listening and learning, being challenged and having your curiosity awakened.
Dr. Willie Griffin, The Levine Museum - 9/11
Topic: History of Jim Crow & CSA Statues in the South
Dr. Maureen Andreassi, Novant Health - 9/18
Topic: Why We Lose Balance & How to Maintain
Dr. John Cox, UNCC, Great Decisions Speaker - 9/25
Topic: Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking
Dr. Eiberto P Lozada, Davidson College, Great Decisions Speaker - 10/2
Topic: The Philippines and the United States
We will announce upcoming speakers at each week's presentation.
This is the plan starting Monday, September 7: every Monday morning all members will receive an email invitation to the upcoming Friday presentation. Every Friday approximately 10 minutes before the presentation, follow the simple instructions on the Monday email to join the virtual meeting. A Q&A is planned for each meeting. If you miss the 10:00 presentation, you can access the recorded presentation when it is convenient to do so.
Our Board will meet again on August 12 to revisit our plan moving forward, confirm speaker commitment and discuss the technical aspects of providing the best quality possible for the virtual format. I plan an update to members by Monday August 17.
In the interim, we are planning a late July (date TBD) virtual meeting with Rabbi Judith Schindler, Sklut Professor of Jewish Studies at Queens University, and Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell, Senior Minister of Myers Park Baptist Church. The Topic: What Does It Mean To Be White? As Rabbi Schindler suggested, this virtual meeting will be coordinated by the Queens University Tech Team. I will inform you of the date when it has been set.
Wishing you well during these unusual times.
I'm looking forward to September 11 with our first virtual meeting. Please join us.
My respect, Walt Romano | 
