Russian Author Examines New Russian Democracy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tom Uribes

Jan. 23, 2003

(559) 278-5366 or 246-1717

Renowned Russian Professor, Former Communist To Visit

Dinner in Tower District Jan. 26, Lecture on Jan. 27

In the midst of Russian-culture ambience at a local restaurant, Dr. Ludmilla Selezneva, renowned Russian scholar and one-time communist-activist, will bring a flavor of the history of her country to Fresno on Monday before speaking at California State University, Fresno on Tuesday.

Selezneva will regale local audiences with her accounts of communism and her conversion to democracy during her presentation, "Russia- Yesterday and Today - A View From the Inside” – beginning with a dinner on Jan. 26, at the Echo Restaurant (609 E. Olive Ave.), in the Tower District.

Then the next day (Jan. 27), Selezneva will kick off the Spring 2004 University Lecture Series at Fresno State at 7:30 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union (2485 E. San Ramon) with the topic, "Russian Democracy at the Beginning of the 21^st Century.”

Monday night’s event starts at 6:30 p.m. and will include Vodka sampling, dinner and entertainment influenced by Russian culture, such as a Russian musical trio. The evening will also include a private talk with Selezneva, who is a professor of history and politics at the University for the Humanitarian Education in Moscow.

The proceeds from the Jan. 26 dinner, which will cost $ 100 per person, will benefit Fresno State’s Kremen School of Education and Human Development, said Katie Zenovich, development director of the Kremen School.

Selezneva’s visit to Fresno is special for two Fresnans who met her while on a cruise in Russia and convinced her to come to Fresno as part of speaking engagements throughout the world including the United States, Great Britain and Canada.

Dr. Elmer “Bud” Richter and his wife, Jan, met Selezneva during their June 2003 trip to Russia on board the Viking River Cruise ship, where Selezneva delivered lectures for passengers as they cruised the Russian River system from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

Richter, a longtime Fresno resident and supporter of the university in multiple facets, was instrumental in bringing Selezneva to Fresno after they met her.

On the cruise, Selezneva talked about the history of Russia wrapped in her personal experiences, providing an insight into her native land. She has been giving lectures aboard the river cruises during the summers for at least five years, Richter said.

Her vast knowledge inspired the Richters and their accompanying friends, Blaine and La Vern Briggs of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., to encourage Selezneva to visit America again as their guest. She will spend six days in Fresno.

"This is an opportunity to share with the students and faculty of Fresno State her experiences in Russia and what the people have gone through,” Richter said.

Fresno-area audiences will find Selezneva's experiences fascinating and will see how they have enriched her life, especially because she was brought up in conditions of poverty but fought against the odds and excelled in her studies, he said.

“She grew up as a communist being actively involved in politics during her college years and then experienced the switch in Russia from communism to democracy,” Richter said. "Ludmilla is a lady who loves to share her experiences and you can listen t o her for hours.”

Selezneva holds two doctorate degrees and brings 23 years of experience in the field of education. She has participated in more than 70 national and international conferences on politics, history and government, and has authored or co-authored more than 50 articles and 10 books.

"She is a historical encyclopedia, " Richter said.

Selezneva is an honorary citizen of Mobile and has been a guest on several television programs in the U.S.

During her Fresno visit, Selezneva will also speak to students, faculty and administrators of the College of Social Sciences on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and to the Kremen School of Education faculty and students on Jan. 29. On Thursday, she will visit with students at Bullard High School in Fresno.

For more information about the dinner (business attire) in honor of Selezneva, contact Katie Zenovich at 278-0249. For the lecture, call 278-4680 or visit the University Lecture Series Web site through links at www.FresnoStateNews.com.

The University Lecture Series is sponsored by the Office of the
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, the University
Student Union, Associated Students, Inc., Coke and James Hallowell,
KJWL, Borders and Piccadilly Inn Hotels.

Advance tickets are available at the University Student Union
Information Desk and at Borders. Tickets are $10 general admission;
$6 Fresno State faculty, staff, Alumni Association members and
seniors; $5 elementary and secondary students; and $2 Fresno State
students. Prices on the day of the event increase by $2 for general
admission, faculty, staff and Alumni Association members.

For further information contact the University Lecture Series office
at 278-4680 or see www.csufresno.edu/universitylecture.

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Copy prepared by University Relations student-intern Ravneet Padda.

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