Coming events

University authors Jon C. Tribble, managing editor in English, and Timothy A. Westmoreland, a visiting assistant professor in English, read from their poetry and fiction as part of the Spring 2006 Creative Writing Series. The reading is from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Moore Auditorium, Room 1326 Faner Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

You will be sure to have a Blast! when the theatrical stage event comes to Shryock Auditorium, Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32; $26 for children 15 and younger. Tickets are available at the SIU Ticket Office in the SIU Arena or the Student Center Central Ticket Office. Tickets may also be ordered by phone at 618/453-2000, or through Ticketmaster at 866-646-8849.

Ward Connerly, who has been at the forefront of race-based issues for more than a decade will present a lecture, "America’s Promise Realized: Getting Beyond Race," at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, in the Hiram H. Lesar Law School Auditorium. Admission is free and the public is invited. Connerly has gained national attention for his views on equal opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, sex or ethnic background.

Rev. Rebecca Turner, executive director of the Missouri Religious Coalition for Reproduction, will present a lecture, "Faithfully Pro-Choice," at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, in Quigley 140.

The Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra is holding its annual fundraiser, dinner, concert and silent auction, 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center. The cost is $50 per person. Call 618/549-5694 or 618/549-2846 for reservations.

The Saluki men’s basketball team travels to Normal to face Illinois State in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup Saturday, Jan. 28, at 4:05 p.m. The game will be televised by WSIU-TV.

The 15th annual Bridal Extravaganza is from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29, in the Student Center Ballrooms. The latest fashions for everyone in a wedding party, along with numerous vendors ranging from reception music to floral arrangements and photography will be present. Admission is $3.

The world-renowned Russian National Ballet performs the timeless classic Sleeping Beauty, Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Shryock Auditorium. Tickets are $29; $23 for senior citizens 60 and older and children 15 and younger. Tickets are available at the SIU Ticket Office in the SIU Arena or the Student Center Central Ticket Office. Tickets may also be ordered by phone at 618/453-2000, or through Ticketmaster at 866-646-8849.