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Community colleges are a uniquely American contribution to higher education. And Santa Monica College—which opened its doors to 153 students in 1929—has been one of the flagship campuses of the two-year college movement, defining and achieving a program that fosters the continuity of knowledge by supporting the practical and encouraging the speculative. SMC’s 75th year began in Fall 2004, and our Diamond Anniversary Celebration continues this Spring with distinctive guest lectures and outstanding selection of exhibitions, concerts, and other special events.
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See listing in Madison Performances section.
Wed, January 19 • 4pm • Free • Madison Campus
SMC honors Women’s History Month with an exceptional guest lecture by attorney Anita L. DeFrantz, chair of the Women and Sport Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), president of the Amateur Athletic Foundation (AAF), and a member of the 1976 and 1980 Olympic teams. In 1997, she became the first woman in the 103-year history of the IOC to be elected vice president. An Olympic bronze medalist and six-time National Champion in rowing, she was named one of “Southern California’s Most Influential Executives In Sports” by the Los Angeles Business Journal in March 2004. Cosponsored by the SMC Associates and SMC Athletics Department. For details, call (310) 434-4303.
Tues, March 15 • 11:15am • Free • Concert Hall
Come see what kinds of organizations, support, and services you can find on the SMC campus. Sponsored by the Associated Students of Santa Monica College. For details, call (310) 434-4963.
Thurs, March 17 • 11:15am • Free • SMC Clocktower
SMC’s student clubs join together to celebrate community service and make new friends. Be sure to bring your appetite! Sponsored by the Associated Students of Santa Monica College. For details, call (310) 434-3642.
Thurs, March 31 • 11:15am • Free • Location TBA
Dr. James Martin, Director. Honoring one of the greatest composers of the Baroque age—George F. Handel—the SMC Music Department presents a three-concert series featuring his vocal, chamber, and orchestral compositions performed by an outstanding music faculty, SMC students, and guest artists. Come and enjoy the extraordinary music of this cosmopolitan and eclectic composer.
Tues, April 26 • 11:15am • Free • Concert Hall
Thurs, April 28 • 11:15am • Free • Concert Hall
Sat, April 30 • 7:30pm • Free • Concert Hall
Join us for these free special events in May honoring Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Additional events may be added, so visit the SMC Events website (events.smc.edu) for the latest information.
The Chinese phrase nuren wucai bian shi de (for women, lack of literary talent is a virtue) expresses a conventional prejudice in several Asian countries. A careful study of some of the contemporary Asian women writers, however, reveals a sound rejection of such a notion. In fact, these writers—with their powerful imagination and unerring focus on reality—transform the prison of contemporary society and help discover new worlds. Join SMC English Professor Hari Vishwanadha for a series of insightful discussions about these writers and their work. Cosponsored by the SMC English Department, Santa Monica College, and the Santa Monica Public Library. For details, please call (310) 434-4544. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.
Taslima Nasrin is the author of the highly controversial novel Lajja (Shame).
Tues, May 3 • 11:15am • Free • Art 214
Pak Wan-so is the author of The Naked Tree, a coming-of-age novel set during the Korean War. O Chong-hui is the writer of Words of Farewell, a short story exploring a woman’s thoughts on returning home from a stay in a mental institution.
Sat, May 14 • 2pm • Free Santa Monica Public Library, Montana Branch (1704 Montana Ave., Santa Monica)
Duong Thu Huong is the author of Novel Without a Name, a revealing North Vietnamese perspective on the Vietnam War.
Thurs, May 19 • 11:15am • Free • Art 214
Can Xue is the author of Old Floating Cloud, a surreal novella about love and obsession. Chen Ran is the author of A Private Life, a sensuous coming-of-age tale.
Thurs, May 26 • 7pm • Free Santa Monica Public Library, Montana Branch (1704 Montana Ave., Santa Monica)
Back by popular demand! Come celebrate diversity at our sixth annual Asian/Pacific Islander Celebration. Join us for an evening of artistic expression exploring the historical tragedy of the internment camps for Japanese Americans during World War II. Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston—the award-winning author of Farewell to Manzanar—will discuss her latest book, The Legend of Firehorse Woman. We will also introduce “Manzanar: An American Story,” a new multimedia orchestral piece by Maestro Kent Nagano. On hand to discuss this world premiere will be director/playwright Philip Kan Gotanda and composer Naomi Sekiya. Refreshments will be served. Cosponsored by the SMC Associates, SMC History Department, SMC’s Asian American Pacific Islander Association, Associated Students of Santa Monica College, and the Madison Project of SMC. Please call (310) 434-3431 or (310) 434-4303 for details. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.
Fri, May 20 • 8pm • Free • Concert Hall
Preschoolers and youngsters in grades 1-3 are invited to spend an afternoon filled with exciting activities that explore the joys of communication, from sing-alongs to interactive storytelling. The festival features a book fair, activity booths, refreshments, and some very special treats. Parents are welcome too! Cosponsored by the SMC Office of Public Programs and Connections for Children.
Sat, April 2 • Noon-4pm • Free • SMC Clocktower
Come join us in honoring our graduates on this exciting day.
Tues, June 14 • 5pm • Free • Location TBA
SMC’s Independence Day Celebration—the biggest, most sensational patriotic community event on the Westside! Bring your family and friends to SMC for a star-spangled salute to our nation’s independence. Come early, picnic on the lawn, enjoy continuous entertainment and special exhibits (with plenty of refreshments available for purchase), and cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks salute to America.
Sat, July 2 • 5pm • Free ($5 parking fee) • Location TBA
Take part in a very special 24-hour event to raise awareness and money in the fight against cancer. Whether you choose to join the planning committee, form a team, become a walker, or simply take a few minutes to drop by and cheer everyone along, you’ll be glad you made the effort! For information, please call the American Cancer Society at (310) 348-0356 “(option3)” or the SMC Office of Public Programs at (310) 434-4003.
Sat, July 23-Sun, July 24 • 9am-9am • Free • Location TBA