“Exploring the opportunities and challenges of post-secondary education and training” is the theme for the 2014 Education Foundation of Albert Lea public forum. It will be at Wedgewood Cove at 4:15 p.m. Thursday. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this important discussion. It precedes the ticketed banquet for the 2014 distinguished alumni.

The keynote speaker for this event will be David Anderson, president of St. Olaf College. Anderson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at St. Olaf College and his doctorate degree at Boston College, specializing in 18th century British literature. He served on the faculty of St. Olaf College, Texas A&M University and Florida Atlantic University and served as dean of the college at Luther College and as provost of Dennison University before becoming the 11th president of St. Olaf in 2006. His scholarly writings range from articles on theodicy in 18th century literature to a book on modern American detective fiction. He is chair of the board of trustees of the Higher Learning Commission and serves on the board of trustees of Emeriti Retirement Health Solutions, a nonprofit consortium that contributes to health care security in retirement for faculty and staff in higher education.

Leading the planning of this event and moderating the panel will be Lyman K. Steil, Albert Lea High School graduate from 1956 and distinguished alumnus in 2012.

Joining Steil and Anderson on a panel to open the discussion of this topic are the following: Mike Funk, Albert Lea Area Schools superintendent; Adenuga Atewologun, Riverland Community College president; Ryan Nolander, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency executive director; and previous distinguished alumni Gerry Vogt, Jerry Tostrud, Steve Leuthold and Jim Brill.

The purpose of the 2014 Albert Lea educational public forum is to generate excitement, focus and extended discussion on important educational issues that impact all citizens of Albert Lea. The 2014 public forum is based on three underlying facts:

• Twenty-first century reality demands that education and training cannot end upon graduation from high school.

• A multitude of opportunities for post-secondary education and training are both extensive and varied.

• The challenges facing post-secondary education and training are numerous and daunting for many.

Hopefully the 2014 educational public forum will initiate excitement, ongoing discussion and creative action led by the Education Foundation of Albert Lea, Albert Lea Area Schools, Riverland Community College, the Albert Lea business community, ALEDA, Albert Lea students and parents and the larger Albert Lea community and citizens.

Registration for the banquet is not necessary to attend the public forum but the Foundation would appreciate an RSVP to edfound.al@gmail.com.

Following the public forum, the Pathways to Success Distinguished Alumni Banquet will be held at Wedgewood Cove, beginning with a cash bar at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and must have been purchased by Friday.

Distinguished alumni being honored at the banquet include Philip S. Tennis, class of 1946, posthumously; Judith Watland McIntyre class of 1948; Daniel A. DeBoer class of 1974; and Eric J. Nyquist, class of 1990.

Questions about the forum, the banquet or the Education Foundation may be directed to Lilah Aas, Foundation president, at edfound.al@gmail.com.