A committee of community representatives selected the final experts and topics to be featured during the special 75th Anniversary Expert in Residence series.
The series is supported by these local host organizations: Junior Achievement of South Central Michigan, Kellogg Community College Lifelong Learning Department, Battle Creek Unlimited, New/Nueva Opinion, United Way of Greater Battle Creek, Health Care Leadership Forum, and Willard Library.
The Foundation and local host organizations are delighted to bring to Battle Creek a number of well-recognized and well-regarded leaders, including:
Russell Simmons – Founder of Def Jam Records and a role model for young people and aspiring entrepreneurs. March 1-2.
Hosted by Junior Achievement of South Central Michigan, 269-968-9188
Ron Clark – Hailed by Disney and Oprah for his personal, hands-on approach to teaching in East Harlem. March 15-16.
Hosted by Kellogg Community College Lifelong Learning Department, 269-965-4134
Marian Wright Edelman – Founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund and a leading voice for disadvantaged Americans – particularly children and families. April 18-19.
Hosted by United Way of Greater Battle Creek, 269-962-9538
Richard Santana, Ed.M. – Former gang member turned Harvard graduate; he credits his turnaround to community programs and teachers and is committed to share what he learned with others. May 5-6.
Hosted by Kellogg Community College Lifelong Learning Department, 269-965-4134
Wendy Puriefoy – President of Public Education Network and a nationally recognized expert on public school reform and civil society. May 24-25.
Hosted by Battle Creek Unlimited, 269-968-1515
Archbishop Desmond Tutu – 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner, leader in the fight against South African apartheid, and a continuing force in civil rights and education. August 5-6.
Invited by W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 269-968-1611
Edward James Olmos – Widely-known actor (you may have seen him in “Stand and Deliver” or “Miami Vice”) born of an immigrant father and Mexican American mother, and dedicated to community activism. September 29-30.
Hosted by New/Nueva Opinion and United Way of Greater Battle Creek, 269-962-9538
Dr. Lawrence Einhorn – Indiana University professor who paved the way for cancer treatment in the U.S. and abroad; he led the medical team treating cyclist Lance Armstrong. October 13-14.
Hosted by Health Care Leadership Forum, 269-965-5572
Patricia M. Pomerleau – President and founder of CEOExpress Company and an expert on technology, Internet commerce, and corporate culture. November 7-8.
Hosted by Battle Creek Unlimited, 269-968-1515
Henry Winkler – Well-recognized for his role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in TV’s “Happy Days,” he has begun to release a series of children’s books he writes, drawing from his own experience of dyslexia. December 6.
Hosted by Willard Library, 269-968-8166
