Jan 5, 2012

Dr. Bensen at CLC Jan. 17

Dr. Jim Bensen, president emeritus of Bemidji State University, will present a program in the Center for Lifelong Learning speaker series at Central Lakes College Tuesday, Jan. 17. Jim will speak on how to “Make the Future Your Friend” in a 6:30 p.m. event held in Chalberg Theatre, where admission is $5 but free to members of the Center. Jim has been involved for four decades with the design and development of leadership initiatives on the local, state, national and international levels. He enjoys his role as an “ambassador without a portfolio” and “entrepreneur at-large.” Formerly, professor and dean of the College of Industry and Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, he has served as president of the Dunwoody College of Technology and Bemidji State University. He retired as president in 2001.
He speaks, writes and consults in the areas of change, technology, entrepreneurship, quality, educational excellence, innovation and the future. He serves on more than a dozen boards, consults with corporations, and contributes to innovations in education.
A native of Erskine, Jim holds a bachelor’s degree from BSU, earned a master’s at University of Wisconsin-Stout, and his doctorate from Penn State University.
During his career, Jim has served as a consultant to public and private organizations throughout the world. He has worked with thousands of companies, communities, universities and economic development organizations in designing a “competitive edge for tomorrow.”
He chaired a community revitalization initiative in Bemidji, and co-chaired Destination
2025, the visioning process of the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota.
The speaker series grew from the Center of Lifelong Learning mission to offer life-enriching programs and opportunities for community building, said Bill Brekken, coordinator. All programming is designed to serve age 50-up.
Memberships provide discounts to all programs, with top-level Founding Members and Sustaining Members earning exclusive benefits. For information contact Brekken at (218) 855-8146 or bbrekken@clcmn.edu and to make credit card payment call Beverly Berg at (218) 855-8118.