Branch Meeting

Monday, January 11, 2016

9:30 – 10:30 AUTHOR, AUTHOR

What Motivates Me as a Writer and Teacher

Speaker: Stephen Wilbers, PhD, Author, Star Tribune Columnist, Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota, and Fulbright Fellow

You may know Wilbers best for his business writing column that appears every other Monday in the business section of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Learn about his writing repertoire which includes poetry, books about the BWCA, and a love story that offers writing instruction.

10:45 – 11:45 EDUCATION

Groves Academy:
A Hidden Education Gem in the Twin Cities

Speaker: John Alexander, Head of School, Groves Academy

Groves Academy is Minnesota’s only independent day school specifically serving students with learning disabilities and attention disorders. Alexander will talk about how Groves Academy impacts more than 5,000 children and adults every year through its day school and outreach programs. The students’ academic and personal lives have been positively changed through the use of their effective literacy and math programs. Alexander would like to share the secret of their success with schools everywhere.

11:45 – 12:15 BUSINESS MEETING
 New and proposed Bylaws and Standing Rules will be read.

12:15 – 1:15 LUNCHEON

1:15 – 2:15 FRONTIERS IN SCIENCE

Harnessing the Immune System for Cancer Therapy

Speaker: Dr. Michael Verneris, Professor of Pediatrics, Associate Head of Pediatric Research, Alberta and Eva Cornea Chair in Pediatric Research, University of Minnesota’s Masonic Cancer Center, Stem Cell Institute Member

Dr. Verneris has special interest in immune-based therapies, stem cell research, and blood and marrow transplantation for treating cancer and other diseases. Groundbreaking research in umbilical cord blood transplantation has led to the development of treatments for leukemia, immune disorders, and inherited genetic diseases. Dr. Verneris will give an overview of the advances made by research and those being sought.