Albany State University president launches lecture series

ALBANY – Albany State University President Marion Fedrick will launch the institution’s President’s Lecture Series with visits from Olympic legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee and acclaimed actress Charnele Brown. The first lecture in the series took place Wednesday and the second will be held March 27.

The President’s Lecture Series serves as an opportunity to acknowledge moments, ideas and issues that shape society and communities. The inaugural lectures coincide with March as Women’s History Month, a month set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.

“I look forward to hosting a series that challenges all of us to engage in meaningful and enjoyable conversation,” Fedrick said. “Jackie-Joyner Kersee and Charnele Brown serve as great examples for ASU students and Albany community members to learn from and engage with in deep dialogue. I am excited for our speakers to share their knowledge, experience, opinions and accomplishments.”

Prominent speakers will visit the campus throughout the year. All lectures are free and open to the public.

One of the most decorated female athletes of all-time, Joyner-Kersee launched the lecture series with “A Conversation with Jackie Joyner-Kersee.”

Joyner-Kersee dominated the track and field circuit for 13 years and won three gold, one silver and two bronze medals spanning four Olympic Games during her illustrious career. In addition, she won a total of four gold medals at three different World Championships and finished first in the long jump at the 1987 Pan American Games.

Named the Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated for Women magazine, Joyner-Kersee is also a committed humanitarian. She is the inaugural recipient of the Humanitarian Athlete of the Year award and is known worldwide for her interest in aiding others. She has helped to build the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Youth Center Foundation in her hometown of East St. Louis, Ill. The foundation has raised more than $12 million.

Brown will provide the second installment of the President’s Lecture Series on March 27 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Billy C. Black Building on the university’s East Campus.

Brown is best known for her portrayal of Kimberly Reese, the pre-med student on the hit NBC sitcom “A Different World.” She was also one of the first Americans in the hit Broadway musical “SARAFINA,” which was nominated for a Tony Award. Brown has performed in numerous off-Broadway plays as well as cabaret in New York City. She has appeared on numerous hit sitcoms and holds three film credits. She also wrote, directed and starred in the hit gospel stage play “Love and Fire” and recently completed a play titled “No Soldier Left Behind,” which is being performed in San Antonio.

Brown established the Charnele Brown Acting Academy in Houston, where she advises participants on successful acting techniques. While in Houston, Brown teamed with “Theatre Under The Stars,” a nonprofit institution dedicated to enriching lives through the experience of quality musical theater.