One of the most popular events from years past is the Colonial Lecture Series. This year’s series features discussions on politics, advances in biomedical science, the relationship between aging and creativity, and other thought-provoking topics. All lectures take place on Saturday afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the Media & Public Affairs building in rooms 309, 310, and B07. The lectures are free.

This year's Elmer L. Kayser History Lecture will be delivered by Professor Edward Berkowitz who explores "What History Can Tell Us About the Election of 2004." Professor Berkowitz is an expert on American social welfare policy, whose publications include: Disabled Policy, America's Welfare State, and Mr. Social Security — the Life of Wilbur J. Cohen.

“The Role of Spirituality in Caring for Chronically and Terminally Ill Patients” is explored by Christina Puchalski, MD, associate professor of medicine and Cornelius Bennhold Professor of Physics. GW has been a pioneer in developing courses on spirituality and health.

Gene D. Cohen, MD, PhD, lectures on "Creativity and Aging — The Latest Research Findings." Dr. Cohen is the first director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at The George Washington University, where he also holds the positions of professor of health care sciences and professor of psychiatry.

Professor Barry M. Nudelman, JD, LLM, discusses planned giving options in “The A, B, C’s of Estate Planning.” Professor Nudelman explores the fundamental structure upon which all estate plans are based and then examines opportunities to preserve wealth.

For those in the field of medicine “Engineering a Better Health Care: The Role of Biomedical Engineering in Modern Medicine,” by Professor James K. Hahn, PhD, highlights innovative research and educational activities taking place in the field at GW. Dr. Hahn is a founding co-director of GW’s Laboratory for Advanced Computer Applications in Medicine and founding director of its Institute for Computer Graphics and its Institute for Biomedical Engineering.

“Emergency Preparedness for the Lay Person,” looks at bioterrorism and disaster preparedness. GW’s Medical Center is uniquely positioned to help drive the homeland security agenda for our region and our country.