Brockovich, Reeve Part of Distinguished Speakers Series
University Park, Pa. — The 2000-2001 Distinguished Speakers Series will feature Erin Brockovich, Christopher Reeve, Danny Glover and Martina Navratilova.

The scheduled speakers are:

• Erin Brockovich at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12, in Eisenhower Auditorium. Brockovich became a household name when a movie about her life, starring Julia Roberts, was released earlier this year. A twice-divorced, single mother of three, Brockovich talked her way into a file clerk position at the law firm of Masry and Vititoe, where medical records from a real estate case piqued her curiosity. Her solo investigation of the case resulted in the largest direct action lawsuit of its kind. Pacific Gas and Electric Company was ordered to make the largest legal settlement in U.S. history, paying out some $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley, Calif., residents. Brockovich now serves as director of environmental research at the law firm and is currently involved in several other major environmental lawsuits. Her efforts and advocacy have won her numerous awards, including the "Civil Justice Foundation Champion of Justice Award" from the American Trial Lawyers Association.
• Christopher Reeve at 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, in Bryce Jordan Center. Star of stage, screen and television, Reeve is best known for his performances in "Deathtrap," "Somewhere in Time," and "Superman" and its sequels. However, since his injury in an equestrian competition in 1995, Reeve has become a powerful spokesperson for people with disabilities. As a lobbyist and activist, he is focused on raising awareness about the profound impact medical research can have on people's lives and other issues affecting those living with disabilities. Prior to his injury he served as a national spokesman for the arts, campaign finance reform and the environment, and was co-president of The Creative Coalition from 1992-1994.
• Danny Glover at 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, in Eisenhower Auditorium. Recognized internationally for his performances in films such as "The Color Purple," the "Lethal Weapon" series, and most recently, "Beloved," Glover's on-screen work has earned him many awards and a place in the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. Off-screen, he is a powerful advocate for literacy, human rights and community development. Glover was the first goodwill ambassador to the United Nations Development Program, which focuses on eliminating poverty, cleaning up the environment, creating jobs and advancing the rights of woman. He is also involved in a number of social issues including civil rights and the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
• Martina Navratilova at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 6, in Eisenhower Auditorium. When Navratilova defected from Czechoslovakia to the United States in 1975, she had one goal - to be the best women's tennis player in the world. By the time of her retirement, she had acquired more tournament titles than any man or woman in tennis history and was named "Athlete of the Decade" for the 1980s. Navratilova is an influential advocate for many causes, including women's issues, gay rights, children's causes, animal welfare and the environment.

The Distinguished Speakers Series is sponsored by the University Park Allocation Committee and coordinated by the Distinguished Speakers Series Committee and the Office of Student Activities. Funded by student activity fees, the series is free and open to the public. Tickets are required for the events and will be available at the Eisenhower Auditorium box office about two weeks prior to each lecture. For more information, contact the Office of Student Activities (814) 863-3786 or stop by 207 HUB-Robeson Cultural Center.