Distinguished Speaker Series to present expert on Tibetan culture and Buddhism

Robert A.F. Thurman

NEW PALTZ — The State University of New York at New Paltz’s Distinguished Speaker Series proudly announces that Robert A.F. Thurman, an expert on Tibetan culture and Buddhism, will speak on “Tibetan Culture as World Treasure: What It Is, How It Came To Be, What Are Its Gifts Today,” Monday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m., Lecture Center 100, on the New Paltz campus.

A Je Tsongkhapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, where he teaches Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies, Thurman is known as a talented popularizer of the Buddha’s teaching. In his talk, he will discuss the unique role Tibetan Buddhism plays in a variety of world cultures, including its inception, characteristics, contributions to the world, and what the religion will continue to contribute in the future.

Thurman’s visit coincides with Anonymous: Contemporary Tibetan Art at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art (through December 15).

Founded in 2008, the Distinguished Speaker Series aims to connect community members, alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students and their families with accomplished authors, policy makers and leaders, scientists, media experts, business people and other luminaries. The Series hosts speakers twice every academic year.

New Paltz’s Distinguished Speaker Series is supported by the generosity of the following major sponsors: M&T Bank, Sodexo, Campus Auxiliary Services, and the SUNY New Paltz Foundation.

For further information and to purchase tickets please visit www.newpaltz.edu/speakerseries/ or call (845) 257-3880. To sponsor the Series and obtain general information, please call (845) 257-3972. Tickets may also be purchased at the Parker Theatre Box Office, Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. through October 18 (closed Oct. 14 & 15). New Paltz alumni/ faculty/staff and seniors: $13; General Public: $18. SUNY New Paltz students are free with ID (on a first come-first serve basis).