UD's Distinguished Speakers Series (DSS) has two speakers left before the opportunity to spend an enriching hour in the KU Ballroom passes.

Author of 'Betrayal of Trust,' Laurie Garrett will speak on Tuesday, and vice-presidential candidate Winona LaDuke will finish the series on March 6; both begin at 8 p.m.

The Lavin Agency describes the upcoming speaker, Garrett, as 'America's expert on global health.' She is currently the Senior Fellow for Global Health at the Council of Foreign Relations.

Along with appearances on 'Dateline' and writing for The Washington Post, Garrett is the only person to have ever received the Peabody, the Polk and the Pultizer awards.

Garrett's presentation will cover topics found in her book 'Betrayal.' Through her world travels, Garrett has become well-researched on deadly viruses and healthcare practices in the United States, Western Europe, Russia and Africa. Garrett's presentation will also provide her scientific and political opinions on the threat of bio-terrorism.

Lou Talbott, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, is part of the committee comprised of faculty and staff that sponsors the speakers. Talbott said Garrett's talk applies to UD students because of the germane topic.

'Especially with the recent bird flu, Garrett's presentation is pertinent to anyone,' Talbott said. 'New diseases are popping up everywhere.'

DSS's final speaker, LaDuke, was also suggested because of her applicable presentation, 'Recovering the Sacred: Religion, Faith, and the Land from a Native Woman's Perspective.'

Sheila Hughes, Director of the Women's Studies Program, listened to LaDuke speak in June at the National Women Studies Association and describes her as very passionate and encouraging of action.

'Anyone interested in ecology, ethics, religious dialogue or environmentalism could benefit from LaDuke's talk,' Hughes said. 'Her presentation is not narrow-minded at all, it connects everyone. And that's something big at UD, connectedness.'

LaDuke has won much recognition for her impassioned accomplishments. In 1994, before running for vice-president in 1996 and 2000, Time Magazine named her one of America's 50 most promising leaders under the age of 40. In 1997, she co-received the Ms. Woman of the Year Award.

LaDuke is most active in the White Earth Land Recovery Project and opposing bio-technology on food. As part of the Ojibwe tribe, LaDuke is devoted to keeping the environment clean and exposing the negative effects of chemically engineering food.

Her commitment to the environment parallels the new measures UD is taking to recycle. Talbott noted scheduling LaDuke during Women's History Month is also appropriate because of her activism in women's rights.

Past distinguished speakers have 'drawn a really good crowd' and spoken for about one hour, Talbott said. She sees the series as a way for UD students to get ideas on a new topic to which they may not ordinarily open their eyes.

'In reality, there is a big-wide world and that's what we're preparing the students for,' Talbott said. 'We make the speakers available to help educate.'

Garrett and LaDuke's presentations are free and open to the public. Look for more information at http://www.udayton.edu/~dss.