University of Louisville President Neeli Bendapudi will talk about her vision for the university and its relationship with west Louisville as she opens the UofL-Yearlings Club fall forum series Sept. 17. Later series events will focus on efforts to combat drug abuse and counter “fake news.”
The UofL College of Arts and Sciences’ international, diversity and engagement programs office offers the free, public forums with the Yearlings at the civic club’s 4309 W. Broadway location. The series, part of the Signature Partnership Initiative, seeks to bring faculty members and the public together to share expertise, discuss issues and forge common bonds.
- The monthly fall events are:
Sept. 17: “Fireside Chat and Welcome Reception for UofL President Neeli Bendapudi,” with Kentucky Sen. Gerald Neal as moderator. Bendapudi joined UofL as its 18th president in May. (5:15 p.m. registration and reception; 5:30-7 p.m. Monday program) - Oct. 21: “Social Media, Fake News and the Impact on Public Opinion.” From “post-truth” politics to “alternative facts” associated with the 2016 presidential election, panelists will discuss deliberately published hoaxes and misleading information that spread through social media to increase the reach, as well as strategies that agencies can take to address this problem. (4-6 p.m.)
- Nov. 18: “Fighting the Demons – From Heroin to the Opioid Epidemic.” Panelists will discuss how rampant abuse of painkillers and heroin, especially in Louisville, Lexington and northern Kentucky, have communities across the state and region scrambling for ways to deal with the growing addiction epidemic. (4-6 p.m.)
- Dec. 16: Annual holiday reception featuring live music and refreshments. (4-6 p.m.)
The Yearlings Club Inc. includes members from corporate, government and private organizations and promotes civic responsibility, community service and leadership development.
