Campus Events

9/16 "Documenting Deaf Lives: Exploring Identity, Literacy, and Relationships"

Westminster Presents Diversity Lecture: “Documenting Deaf Lives: Exploring Identity, Literacy, and Relationships”
Brenda Jo Brueggemann, Ph.D., speaks as part of the Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 30, 2010


SALT LAKE CITY – As part of the 2010-2011 Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture Series, Westminster College is pleased to host a lecture by Brenda Jo Brueggemann, Ph.D., entitled, “Documenting Deaf Lives: Exploring Identity, Literacy, and Relationships” on Sept. 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the Vieve Gore Concert Hall in the Emma Eccles Jones Conservatory.

Dr. Brueggemann, professor of English & coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Disability Studies Program at The Ohio State University, is a prolific scholar and passionate activist for people with disabilities, as well as a leading expert in deafness, language, and literacy. Dr. Brueggemann will discuss her critical analysis of deaf people’s identities, which she aligns with a theory of “betweenity”—a space of identity, relationships, and experience that she suggests most deaf and disabled people now occupy. Her talk draws upon three turn-of-the-twentieth-century examples— Mabel Hubbard Bell (Ma Bell), the Allen sisters (Frances and Mary), and James Castle—and illustrates how these three figures map out the complex “between” spaces for documenting modern deaf lives. Mabel Hubbard Bell is Alexander Graham Bell’s (deaf) wife; The Allen sisters are two internationally known photographers; James Castle is a recently “discovered” (deaf) folk artist from rural Idaho.

This event is free and open to the public. American Sign Language provided; other accommodations available upon prior request. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu/culturalevents.

WHO: Dr. Brenda Jo Brueggemann, professor of English & coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Disability Studies Program, The Ohio State University

WHAT: Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture: “Documenting Deaf Lives: Exploring Identity, Literacy, and Relationships”

WHERE: Westminster College
Vieve Gore Concert Hall, Emma Eccles Jones Conservatory
1840 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, UT

WHEN: Sept. 16, 2010
7:30 p.m.

About the Bastian Foundation:
The 2010–2011 Bastian Foundation Diversity Lecture Series at Westminster College is sponsored by the B.W. Bastian Foundation. The foundation, established in 1996 by Bruce Bastian, strives to build community and understanding by supporting local and national
institutions. Financial support is directed at artistic, educational, and cultural programs. A strong commitment is placed on programs and organizations that benefit, encourage, and preserve the rights of individuals and promote equality for the gay and lesbian community.


About Westminster
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow WestminsterSLC on Twitter.



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