Now in its 62nd season of excellence, Purdue North Central’s Sinai Forum kicked off Sunday night with a very familiar name. Jane Pauley, one of America’s most respected broadcast journalists, took the stage to make for an exciting and educational evening.
Marie Foster, director of advancement at PNC, said, “This event is successful because it takes everyone from the community and gives them an opportunity to meet someone they normally wouldn't meet, for example Jane Pauley. You have this wonderful celebrity that has done so much to change the world and she’s coming right here to Michigan City, giving us the opportunity to ask her questions.”
With a well-known history of success in the journalism industry, Jane Pauley was quite the speaker. She co-hosted the TODAY show for thirteen years, and Dateline for twelve. She now contributes to CBS News Sunday Morning. Jane is also the author of Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life and Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue, the latter being when she revealed her 'personal struggle with bipolar disorder. As a highly regarded mental health advocate, her story is powerful, positive, and uplifting.
“When you’ve been around long enough, you can start to see themes in your life and these themes can help you see the future. Saying 'yes' has definitely been a theme in my life," said Jane when asked how she had arrived upon so many opportunities, including speaking at the forum.
Sponsored by The Times Media Company, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel, & Spa, and LaPorte Hospital as a whole, the Sinai Forum was expecting about 600 guests to hear Jane’s story. The night’s program was sponsored by Duneland Health Council and the reception by Wendy J. Levenfeld.
“The quality of the speakers and the great reputation make this such a success,” explained Liz Bernel, Coordinator of Special Events Marketing at PNC. “Jane Pauley was a hit. I can’t remember anyone being so popular. She’s the most personable, nice person that I can remember having here.”
State Senator Ed Charbonneau, attendee, explained, “I’ve been coming to the Sinai Forums for years and find they are very entertaining and fun to come to, but also very educational. I’ve always admired Jane, and she’s from Indiana. I was excited for the chance to see her more personal tonight.”
If you missed out on the night’s excitement, or simply can not wait to return again, Blue Chip is ready for you. David Marquet, author of the award-winning book Turn the Ship Around! ; William B. Taylor, former U.S. ambassador and current executive vice president at the United States Institute of Peace; Nomi Prins, accomplished financial analyst, journalist, and author; and Ernie Pyle, a one hour play written by Professor Jerry Holt, chair of the department of English & Modern Languages at PNC are all upcoming speakers.
For more on the 2015 Sinai Forum, click here
