FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, January 2, 2008

CONTACT Aubrey Streit, (785) 227-3311, ext. 8274

BETHANY TO HOST PANEL DISCUSSION ON ENERGY

LINDSBORG, Kan.— On Jan. 8, Bethany College will host a panel of three informed and influential Kansans to discuss the issue of energy.
            State Senator Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg; state Representative Josh Svaty, D-Ellsworth; and scientist Jerry Glover of The Land Institute will serve as panelists at the 7:30 p.m. discussion in Burnett Center. Each will speak briefly before the audience is invited to ask questions.
            The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of Bethany’s Interterm Speakers Series on issues of vital concern to voters in the 2008 election.
            “Energy has proven to be a controversial issue. Whether people are discussing biofuels, coal-fueled plants or wind energy, there are wide-ranging and strongly held views on every topic. This event will provide Bethany, and the community, an opportunity to learn more about energy as a political issue and to hear from those directly involved in making decisions about it,” said Joyce Pigge, a professor of political science at Bethany who helped organize the event.
            Both Emler and Svaty currently serve in the Kansas Legislature on an interim committee on energy, natural resources and the environment. Emler is vice chair, and Svaty is ranking minority member.
            Emler, an attorney with an office in McPherson, Kan., represents District 35 in the Kansas Senate. His committee memberships include: chair, Utilities; vice chair, Joint Committee on Kansas Security; vice chair, Ways and Means; and Commerce. He has served in the legislature since 2001.
            Svaty, a farmer and law student at Washburn University, has represented District 108 in the Kansas House since 2003. His committee memberships include: Energy and Utilities; Transportation and Public Safety Budget; ranking minority member, Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations.
            Glover is an agroecologist at The Land Institute, Salina, Kan., where he directs graduate research and works on the institute’s natural systems agriculture projects. Glover holds a doctorate in soil science from Washington State University. “Future Farming: A Return to Roots,” a feature article on sustainable agriculture co-authored by Glover, was published in the August 2007 issue of Scientific American.
            The second event in Bethany’s Interterm Speakers Series will focus on the issue of health care. Hospital administrator Greg Lundstrom, Dr. Craig Concannon and attorney John Mize will serve as panelists for the discussion and question and answer session, to be held Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Lindquist Hall.
            Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.

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