A number of speakers from across the country will present eight different lectures regarding foreign policy every Monday during February and March from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Aquinas College.

The series will begin Feb. 6 with David Guggenheim of the Washington, D.C., Ocean Foundation’s speech, “What the Oceans are Telling Us and Why it Matters.” Guggenheim’s work was recently featured on “60 Minutes.”

Those interested in attending the series must sign in at the university registration table on the GVSU attendance list.

GVSU serves as a university sponsor of the annual series along with Western Michigan University, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College and other West Michigan institutions.

The local universities have been involved in the “Great Decisions” series for about 20 years, said Dixie Anderson, executive director of the WACWM.

“In the early 90s, (former GVSU) President (Don) Lubbers, along with Mrs. Vernis Schad, the board president of the Council at this time, agreed that the way to bring in a series that all colleges could use as a credit or extra credit class would be to have all of the colleges become educational partners of the Council and have the Council plan and administer a lecture series devoted to foreign policy issues,” Anderson said.

She added that Lubbers served as the WACWM president in the 1970s, obtaining non-profit status for the council and establishing its ties with GVSU.

GVSU was recently represented on the council’s committee that selects speakers by Mark Schaub, Padnos International Center executive director, and Polly Diven, director of GVSU’s international relations program.

For complete list of discussions and speakers, visit www.worldmi.org/great-decisions-2011.html.

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