In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the San Francisco Earthquake and the recent tragedies of Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, Florida Atlantic University and the Lifelong Learning Society presented a symposium on “Disaster in America: From San Francisco to New Orleans and Beyond” on Wednesday, March 29 from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in the Tamar & Milton Maltz Auditorium on FAU’s John D. MacArthur Campus, 5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter. Faculty and staff from the Wilkes Honors College and four other FAU colleges and institutes participated.

“The causes, significance and consequences of natural and social disasters are complex. Our intention is to bring together scholars from across the university, and examine the biomedical, environmental, and social science of disasters, and their implications both in American history and today.” said Dr. Kevin Lanning, a member of FAU’s Wilkes Honors College faculty, who coordinated the event.

Speakers included Christopher B. Strain, assistant professor of history & American studies (left in photo above); Dean Monette, Center for Environmental Studies; James L Cresanta, associate professor of biomedical science; Joyce Levine, assistant professor of urban and regional planning, and Caren Neile, director of the South Florida Storytelling Project and Artist in Residence in FAU's Department of Communication. Daniel R. White (right in photo above), professor of philosophy at the Wilkes Honors College, served as moderator/discussant.

Donations were accepted on behalf of Common Ground Relief, a non-profit, community-based volunteer organization in New Orleans.