1980s
Forum Series
Maya Angelou
Women's Role in Business 1980-81
Black History Month 1987-88
Maya Angelou was a singer, author, and a producer. She discussed how the feeling of worthlessness is one of the main causes of people not be able to achieve their full potential as human beings. This feeling of worthlessness and defeat were linked to racism and sexism within American society. She encouraged students to go after their goals but to remember that there will always be a price to see these dreams come true.
"You won't always get what you pay for, but you'll always pay for what you get."
Hank Aaron
The Courage to Succeed
Hank Aaron was a member of the major league baseball who played for the Milwaukee Braves (1954), Atlanta Braves (1966), and the Milwaukee Brewers (1975). He later beame the vice president of player development for the Atlanta Braves. In his lecture he discussed how the "what's in it for me" attitude hinders personal and group success. He encouraged students be the best they can be in every situation.
Coretta Scott King
Legacy of Martin Luther King: Ideals and Actions for a Nonviolent Revolution
Coretta Scott King was an author, civil rights leader, and the widow of Martin Luther King Jr. She was also the founder of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-violent Social Changes, an organization that foucsed on educating the world on her husband's philosphy of unviolence and his legacy. This connects to Coretta Scott King's lecture which relayed her political and social ideals.
Larry King
All in a Night's Work
Larry King was a radio host, television commentator, and columnist for US Today. While King has never been to Eau Claire before the forum series, the city was full of long time fans. As a part of the forum series he did a live show at UWEC. When conducting interviews King did very little research beforehand, because he did not want to be ahead of the audience. He stated that one of the key skills to being on the radiowaves is being able to communication with your audience members and guests.
"The ideal guest would have four things... The four things you want in a guest are passion - passion for life, a passion for what they do; two, an ability to explain what they do very well for the layman... Three is a sense of humor, and four is a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, a little bit of anger."
Dr. Ruth Westheimer
Sexually Speaking
Dr. Ruth Westheimer was a psychosexual therapist that helped to incorporate the use of media within the field of psychology. Her discussion focused on sex, sexuality, and AIDS/STDs. Dr. Westheimer theorizeed that learning about AIDs and STDs will change how people date. She also empasized how important it was to have strong, well-meaning relationships with a partner.
Artist Series
National Band of New Zealand and the Aotearoa Māori Dancers
The National Band of New Zealand and the Aotearoa Māori Dancers was established in 1953. It is a brass band that blends classical music with native Māori melodies. It has won the internation band festival at Toronto and has achieved the world champion marching title at the world music concourse multiple times.
National Chinese Opera Theatre
The National Chinese Opera Theatre was original formed in Taiwan. The performers wowed audience members with songs, pantomime, and acrobatics. These forms of art were used to tell Chinese mythology and folklore. In this type of theatre there are four types of actors: sheng (scholars, statesmen or warriors), tan (female roles), ching (evil ministers, judges, supernatural), and chou (clowns). The audience members can tell which type of actor is on the stage by their costumes and makeup.
Canadian Brass
The Canadian Brass specialized in classical jazz music. It was made up of a quintet and each of its members learned classical pieces at reputable schools. The crowd at Zorn Arena had a great time with the musicians' music and humor.
Chick Corea Elektric Band
Chick Corea was once the keyboardist for the band Return to Forever before beginning his solo career. He created unique sounds from downloading on a synthesizer. Corea composed a wide variety of music but its underlining tone was jazz fusion.
Peking Acrobats
Peking Acrobats wowed audiences with their amazing feats. They performed wirewalking, trick cycling, and gymnastics. These tricks would not be possible without control, strength, balance, and practice.
Recurring Event: Concerts
Concerts
Most the the school year is about being dedicated to learning your field of study and studying for exams. By there are also fun times too! Every year the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire provides entertainment for the community and students. One of the main forms of entertainment provided by the university are concerts. This includes nationally recognized musicans to local favorites.
