Famed Critic to Headline Holland Symposium
October 16, 2012
Lyons’ presentation, “Thinking Twice Before Knocking Someone Else’s Work: My 42 Years As a Movie Critic,” will be split between two sessions at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the University Center’s C.J. Davidson Conference Center as he traces his career and the impact critics have on the movie industry. The evening session will also feature a public question-and-answer session that will be moderated by Dr. John Wegner, ASU professor of English and director of the ASU Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research.
Informal receptions will be held following each session at 3:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the University Center Tower Lobby. Both the presentations and receptions are open free to the public.
Prior to his presentations on Oct. 22, Lyons will be guest of honor at a barbeque on Sunday, Oct. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center, 1620 University Ave. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling Dr. Trey Smith at 325-486-5441. Lyons will also visit with ASU classes and be the special guest at an invitation-only ASU Honors Program luncheon on Oct. 22.
One of America’s best-known film critics, Lyons has reviewed more than 15,000 movies since 1970 and interviewed most major movie and Broadway stars. His opinions have been published in books, magazines and newspapers, and broadcast on numerous radio and television programs. He has written or co-authored seven books and served as a film critic for Video Review and Rock magazines. In addition, he has appeared in several major motion pictures, including “The French Connection” and “Death Trap,” and on the TV series “Wise Guys.”
The Holland Symposium was established in 1984 by then-College of Liberal and Fine Arts Dean E. James Holland. When Holland retired in 2003, the board of regents named the symposium in his honor. In its 28 years, the symposium has brought more than 60 nationally prominent figures to the ASU campus to spur thought and debate on issues relevant to American society. The ASU Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs sponsors the symposium.
For more information, contact Randy Hall, chair of the 2012 Symposium Committee, at 325-486-6018, or go online to the symposium website at www.angelo.edu/events/university_symposium/.