"Expect the unexpected." That's the promise made by Fairfield University's Dr. Philip Eliasoph, as he describes the upcoming season of Fairfield University's Open VISIONS Forum (OVF) at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts . The smart, stimulating series of OVF conversations begins next month on Sept. 22 with Emmy Award-winning journalist David Gregory providing an inside look at politics and media inside the Beltway. The season continues with a joint appearance by The New York Times' Alessandra Stanley and Frank Bruni (Oct. 9); Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF (Nov. 19); the Monuments Men's Robert M. Edsel (Jan. 25, 2015); the newly announced joint appearance by Jenna Bush Hager, daughter offormer U.S. President George W. Bush, and Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Feb. 9); bestselling author Emily Bazelon (March 2); and Jeffrey D. Sachs , director of The Earth Institute (April 15).

"Let's face it, we are observing so much dissonance clouding the airwaves and digital landscape," notes Dr. Eliasoph, founder/moderator of Open VISIONS Forum and Fairfield University professor of art history. "With a dynamic give-and-take between our distinguished guests and a probing, discerning listening audience, we'll try to cut through the confusion seeking clarity. Engaging such lively notables, trendsetters and public intellectuals in our own backyard is the treat we are sharing in these community-based, town-hall gatherings."

All programs take place at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts , with single tickets, subscriptions, and group tickets on sale at the Quick Center box office. Visit www.quickcenter.com .

Here is the 2014-2015 Open VISIONS Forum schedule:

David Gregory
"Inside the Beltway: Reflections on Politics & Media"
Monday, September 22, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Single Tickets: $45
Emmy Award-winning journalist David Gregory provides a firsthand analysis and running narrative of the Obama Administration, Congress and politics in America. Gregory, former moderator of NBC News' Meet the Press , shares with audiences his insights on the latest Washington headlines, the current events facing our country and the upcoming 2016 race for the White House.

Alessandra Stanley & Frank Bruni
"Two From The Times - Stanley & Bruni At Large"
Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Single Tickets: $45
Both writers for The New York Times, Alessandra Stanley , the chief television critic, and Frank Bruni , Op-Ed columnist, talk about culture, politics, and the art and anxiety of rendering judgment.

Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF
"I Believe in Zero: Learning from the World's Children"
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Annual Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lectureship
Single Tickets: $45
Caryl M. Stern , a longtime child advocate and civil rights activist, was named the President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in May 2007. She has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice in crafting national education policy, and has participated in several White House education and anti-bias initiatives. Co-sponsored by the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies. Funded by the Frank Jacoby Foundation.

Robert M. Edsel
"Monuments Men"
Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 3 p.m.
Single Tickets: $45
Once an extremely successful entrepreneur of the oil and gas industry, Robert M. Edsel sold everything to relocate to Europe in 1996. Edsel discovered a newfound passion for the arts and architecture, as well as a curiosity about the iconic monuments that survived the carnage of World War II, and the unsung heroes who rose to the occasion to preserve them. Edsel set aside seven years of his life to meticulously search and reveal these "Monuments Men" in the hopes of making their efforts known and recognized. In addition to writing The Monuments Men and his debut book, Rescuing Da Vinci, Edsel created a non-profit foundation to honor the heritage of the Monuments Men.

Jenna Bush Hager and Alexandra Pelosi
"Growing Up in the Political Eye: Private Lives in Public Spaces"
Ninth Annual Students Forum
Monday, February 9, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Single Tickets: $45
Jenna Bush Hager , daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, is a contributing correspondent on NBC's Today show and an editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine. She is the author of The New York Times bestseller Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope. Alexandra Pelosi , daughter of House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, spent a decade as an NBC News Producer. In 2000, she was assigned to cover the Bush campaign, which led to her first Emmy award-winning HBO documentary Journeys with George , which followed the future President George W. Bush on the campaign trail. The two speakers reveal the perks and pitfalls of growing up in the Washington, D.C. spotlight at the ninth annual Students Forum.

Emily Bazelon
"Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy"
Monday, March 2, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Single Tickets: $45
Emily Bazelon is the author of the national bestseller Sticks and Stones: Defeating The Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. She is a senior editor at Slate Magazine, a contributing writer at The New York Times Magazine, and the Truman Capote Fellow for Creative Writing and Law at Yale Law School. She is also a frequent guest on The Colbert Report and has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Morning Joe, Fresh Air, Morning Edition, and All Things Considered.

Jeffrey D. Sachs
"The Age of Sustainable Development"
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Single Tickets: $45
Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of The Earth Institute and world-renowned author, is widely considered to be one of the world's leading experts on economic development and the fight against poverty. His work has taken him to more than 125 countries with more than 90 percent of the world's population. Sachs is the recipient of many awards and honors, including membership in the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Society of Fellows, and the Fellows of the World Econometric Society.

Tickets and subscriptions are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Because of construction on campus, there is currently no direct access to the Quick Center from North Benson Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com .

Posted On: 08-25-2014 03:08 PM

Volume: 47 Number: 35