Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning announces speakers for 53rd 'Global Issues' series

Special to the Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Nolan Peterson, left, on assignment in Ukraine. Peterson, a conflict journalist and Sarasota native, will give an update on the war, "Ukraine: Lessons in Modern Warfare," on Jan. 23 during the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s “Global Issues” series.
Nolan Peterson, left, on assignment in Ukraine. Peterson, a conflict journalist and Sarasota native, will give an update on the war, "Ukraine: Lessons in Modern Warfare," on Jan. 23 during the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s “Global Issues” series.

The Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s “Global Issues” series returns for its 53rd season in 2024 with 24 internationally renowned experts discussing a vast range of domestic and global issues.

The series, which runs Jan. 9 to March 29, is presented on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sarasota; Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Venice Community Center in Venice; and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Lakewood Ranch. Lectures will also be available for purchase on video.

“Our Global Issues series continues to offer a broad overview of today’s complex world through nonpartisan, expert-based, factual lectures," SILL president Bob Deutsch said. "Nothing has been more present in the recent press than the situation in Israel and Gaza and I’m looking forward to hearing Ambassador Dennis Ross in February. His long experience with the peace process will have him sharing deep insights into the Gaza War and prospects for peace and stability in the region."

The 2024 season also features the “Music Mondays” series with performances and conversations with established and emerging performers on Mondays from Jan. 8 to March 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms in Sarasota and Mondays at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church.

Roya Hakakian, an Iranian-American writer and former associate producer at CBS's "60 Minutes", will discuss "Iran: The Women’s Rights Moment" on Feb. 20 as part of SILL's Global Issues series.
Roya Hakakian, an Iranian-American writer and former associate producer at CBS's "60 Minutes", will discuss "Iran: The Women’s Rights Moment" on Feb. 20 as part of SILL's Global Issues series.

Global Issues speakers returning to the series include U.S. Army Lt. Gen. (retired) Russel Honore, who organized the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, on the increase in domestic violence; Sarasota native Nolan Peterson with an update on events in Ukraine; and Martin Walker and Bob Barylski will review the EU and Russia.

New to SILL this year are Charlayne Hunter-Gault speaking about optimism and hope in troubled times; Dr. Shelley Rigger discussing Taiwan; Ambassador Eric Rubin reviewing the Balkans; and Roya Hakakian with an overview of women in Iran. Other speakers will address nuclear energy, climate adaptation, and artificial intelligence.

“These are among the outstanding group of speakers assembled by our Global Issues program committee led by Beth Cotner,” Deutsch said.

Music Mondays will feature a “balance between popular and classical music, particularly with the artistry of local pianist Eddie Tobin, former music director for Engelbert Humperdinck, as well as jazz sensation Colin Leonard, a third-year student at the famed Oberlin Conservatory of Music," said Joseph Holt, producer and host of the series. "We continue to feature star musicians from local ensembles and this year and I'm delighted that cellists Natalie Helm and Cheeko Matsusaka from Sarasota Orchestra will join us and discuss their work with nonprofit organizations in the area."

Saxophonist Colin Leonard will perform in March at “Music Mondays,” a series of performances and conversations with renowned and emerging performers.
Saxophonist Colin Leonard will perform in March at “Music Mondays,” a series of performances and conversations with renowned and emerging performers.

For information on all lectures and times, and to purchase tickets, visit SillSarasota.org or call 941-365-6404.

Submitted by Su Byron

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wars in Gaza and Ukraine part of 53rd annual 'Global Issues' series