North Carolina Wesleyan College invites the community to enjoy lifelong learning through a new lecture and discussion series, “Wesleyan Windows on the World.” The first seminar series considers: “What is the Good Life? Searching for Success: from Plato to Prozac.”

The two-day program begins Friday afternoon, January 22, at Wesleyan’s Dunn Center for the Performing Arts and concludes mid-day Saturday with an optional brown bag lunch.

Two Friday afternoon sessions consider: “Does a Successful Life Include a Religious/Philosophical Quest for Eternal Truths?” and “Is Wealth Important for a Successful Life?” Friday evening events include a reception and art exhibition that recognizes the talents of Rocky Mount-Nash teachers, followed by dinner at the Dunn Center and a viewing and discussion of the film Citizen Kane.

Saturday’s sessions consider: “What is the Role of Public Action, Power and Fame in a Successful Life?” and “How Do Friendships and Family Relations Contribute to a Successful Life?” A concluding panel will discuss: “Do Most People Believe They’re Living a Successful Life? Why or Why Not?”

Wesleyan President James A. Gray III said the lecture and discussion series is similar to programs offered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at some other colleges across the country.

“Wesleyan is fortunate to have many outstanding faculty members who are eager to share their expertise, experience and insight, not just with young college students but with members of our local community,” Gray said. “I believe that many people in our region want to enrich their lives by continuing to learn and to examine ideas. Wesleyan is accustomed to welcoming people to our performing arts series, and this new seminar series can bring those people together for a wonderful academic experience as well.”

Scheduled speakers for the first seminar series will include six of this region’s outstanding college and university faculty. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Lloyd Kramer, Dean Smith Distinguished Term Professor and Chairman of the Department of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Seminar leaders from Wesleyan and their areas of academic expertise will be Dr. Festus Cole, History; Dr. Erica Kosal, Biology; Dr. Jeffrey Perry, English; Dr. Jonathan Sarris, History; and Dr. Lee Templeton II, English.

“Wesleyan Windows on the World” is sponsored by RBC Bank, with support from the Wesleyan Office of Community Engagement.

Online registration for the two-day seminar is $95, which includes dinner. Registration is at www.ncwc.edu/windows. The site lists suggested pre-readings for those who would like to prepare for the program in advance, and includes biographical information about the seminar leaders, the schedule and more. Information also is available at 252-985-5138.