Oct. 25, 2013: Williams Lecture Series Plastics pollution expert speaks at PAC Wendy Williams started the Williams Lecture Series in 1993 in honor of her husband, the noted historian William Appleman Williams. Williams was known as the ”Father of Revisionist History.” He taught American diplomatic history and foreign policy for more than 30 years. While teaching at Oregon State University, he lived in Lincoln County from 1968 until his death in 1990. His last teaching assignment was at Oregon Coast Community College, where he taught maritime history. Ms. Williams made a donation to the Oregon Coast Community College to create a fund for this lecture series, which is now managed by the OCCC Foundation. The Foundation Board of Directors has revitalized the series, with the consent of Ms. Williams, and intends to present at least five top speakers for a minimum of five years. The purpose of the Lecture Series is to provide a forum in Lincoln County where individuals can challenge perceptions and opinions, stimulate discussion among students and in the community at large, and introduce new ideas – whether intellectual or practical. The newly formed committee is chaired by Sharon Beardsley, a long-time OCCC faculty member. Other members include Ed Van Aelstyn, Barbara Kessel and community member Rio Davidson. A student representative will be added as a committee member later. A.T. Ronan, former Foundation Executive Director, is an Ex-Officio member of the committee. The committee has selected Stiv Wilson, a freelance environmental journalist, photojournalist and the Communications Director for the 5 Gyres Institute, as their first WLS speaker for the new series. The Lecture is planned for October 25, 2013 at 7pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center. The lecture is free and open to the public. Wilson is also an ambassador for the Surfrider Foundation and an advisor to the United Nations Safe Planet campaign on hazardous chemicals in the environment. He spends about half his time at sea with the 5 Gyres team and the other half lecturing on plastics pollution. The mission of 5 Gyres is to conduct research and education about the global impact of plastics pollution on the world’s oceans, and employ strategies to eliminate it. The group studies the five subtropical gyres by sailing through them. They organize research expeditions, often inviting scientists, journalists and others to join their quest. “I received a free education, thanks to the Lincoln County School District and the Expanded Options program with Oregon Coast Community College.” – tabitha keefer stiv wilson 23 • oregon coast community college • fall 2013 Contact the Foundation office at 541-867-8531 for more details about the series.