College Creates Fall Speaker Series for Community

WINTERVILLE—Pitt Community College has established a fall speaker series for the community that will feature college personnel from various departments discussing their areas of expertise.

According to Happy Gingras, senior director of Pitt’s Office of Teaching and Learning, the series will feature three presentations, starting next month with a discussion of infectious diseases.

“In addition to providing faculty and staff opportunities for professional development, PCC’s Office of Teaching and Learning is a proponent of lifelong learning,” Gingras said. “It’s always the right time to learn something new, and the speaker series is a fun way to convey that message, introduce people to the college’s talented faculty and staff, and give back to the wonderful community we serve.”

Gingras said the series begins Sept. 12 with a presentation from Biology instructor Tammy Atchison on “The Top 10 Microbiological Hazards in Your Own Backyard.” Atchison will explain to attendees how their own backyards can put them at risk for a variety of illnesses, including viral encephalitis, lawnmower tularemia/rabbit fever, Lyme disease and food poisoning. Along with sharing basic details about the diseases, she’ll discuss how people can keep themselves and their families safe while enjoying backyard activities.

Gingras says subsequent presentations will take place Oct. 24 and Nov. 14 and focus on motivation and today’s ‘sandwich generation.’

All three sessions this fall will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Craig F. Goess Student Center’s Davenport Multipurpose Room. Admission is free, but those planning to attend are asked to call (252) 493-7422, so event organizers can be certain to reserve adequate space.

08/25/2023