Jane Goodall to Speak Friday

By October 4, 2012

Jane Goodall (Courtesy Photo)

Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, will speak at the UA as part of the Honors College’s 10th birthday celebration and the Distinguished Lecture Series.

The Honors College officials said they wanted to headline the celebration with a free public event that would interest both the campus and the community, said Kendall Curlee, director of communications for the Honors College.

“Jane Goodall’s research on chimpanzees was groundbreaking, and over the years her mission has evolved to embrace a wide range of conservation issues,” Curlee said. “Given our students’ interest in sustainability, she seemed like a good fit for our campus.”

Several speakers were considered for the event, but the Honors College was most excited by Jane Goodall, Curlee said. The Honors College collaborated with the Distinguished Lecture Committee, which also had been interested in bringing Goodall to campus.

Many people are excited about having Goodall speak on campus.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive from students, faculty and community members,” Curlee said. “We’ve received quite a few calls from people who are traveling from out of town to attend the lecture.”

Students also look forward to hearing Goodall’s lecture.

“I think bringing such a good role model for women in science to campus is invaluable,” said Emily Tharp, senior anthropology student.

Junior archaeology student, Tracy Belcher said she had always admired Goodall, and thinks the chance to hear her speak is an amazing opportunity.

Some people are even flying in from out of state to attend the event.

Junior Spanish student, Kinsey Wallace said one of her best friends is traveling from Texas to attend Goodall’s presentation.

It cost the Honors College and the Distinguished Lecture Series program $65,000 to bring Jane Goodall to campus, Curlee said.

“The Distinguished Lecture Series is funded by a student-approved fee, appropriated by the Program Allocation Board,” Curlee said.

Goodall’s presentation, “Making a Difference: An Evening with Jane Goodall,” will be at 7 p.m., Oct. 5 in Barnhill Arena.

  • Louise Mann

    I got to hear Jane Goodall speak several years ago in Tulsa. What an amazing women. I bought a CD at the event called Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimpanzees. I still enjoy it very much. Some of the musicians on it include Bonnie Riatt, Johnny Clegg, Paul McCartney, Bruce Cockburn…..really well done and inspiring sound track.