Schreiner University will present Great Conversations about timely topics, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14 in the Floyd and Kathleen Cailloux Campus Activity Center. There will be six conversations, each led by facilitators from the university community. People will be talking about:

CSI: Science or Fantasy? Dr. Michael Looney, facilitator. Dr. Looney received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. Mary’s University and his doctorate from Middle Tennessee State University. His field of specialization is forensic chemistry. He came to Schreiner in 1990 as an assistant professor of chemistry and was promoted to professor in 1998. He currently serves as the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Looney teaches chemistry and interdisciplinary studies.

24-hour news: News or Opinion/Fact or Fiction? Dr. Robyn Mansell, facilitator. Dr. Mansell received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Colorado in mass communication, her master’s from the University of Northern Colorado in communication and her doctorate from the University of Iowa in communication studies. She comes to Schreiner after a career in the United States Air Force, where she headed the Air Force News Agency. Dr. Mansell will be developing Schreiner’s new communication major.

Are We Ready For a Woman President? Dr. Lydia Kualapai, facilitator and Dr. David Mulry. Dr. Kualapai received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii, Hilo, her master’s and doctorate from the University of Nebraska all in English. Her field of specialization is women’s literature. She came to Schreiner in 2002 and is currently the chair of the English department. Dr. Kualapai teaches English and interdisciplinary studies. Dr. David Mulry came to Schreiner University in the fall semester 2007 after teaching at Longview College, Odessa College, and Lycee International University. He received his BA in English at Middlesex Polytechnic and his Ph.D. in English from the University of Kent. His specialty is British Literature.

Can Morality Be Taught Without Religion? Dr. Cole Starr, facilitator. Dr. Starr received his bachelor’s degree from Rice University, a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and master’s and doctorate from the University of Virginia. Dr. Starr came to Schreiner in 2003 to teach philosophy and religion. He also teaches in the interdisciplinary program.

Human Water Use and the Quality of Life in the Hill Country, Dr. Fred Stevens, facilitator. Dr. Stevens received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Parkside, his master’s and doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Stevens has been at Schreiner for 30 years. He teaches biology and is active in the Texas Academy of Science, serving as the state executive secretary.

Social Security Crossroads, Dr. Charles Torti, facilitator. Dr. Torti received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University, his master’s from the University of North Texas, and his doctorate from Touro University International. Dr. Torti joined the faculty in 2002 after a career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He teaches in Schreiner’s business program and is the department chair.

Please call 830-792-7201 to reserve your seat in the conversation that interests you most.