Nearly 300 people are expected to gather tonight in the new ESRI Conference Center to hear former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, who ran for president in 1992 and served as governor of Nebraska from 1983 to 1987. Senator Kerrey will voice his thoughts on topics including current economic events, changing public policy, environmental global warming issues, the future of education, and using technology and design to help solve urban issues.

Kerrey’s presentation is the first in the new “Town & Gown Series” of educational and cultural programs being sponsored by ESRI and the University of Redlands. The events are open to the public and will be offered for free or at nominal cost.

ESRI president Jack Dangermond said the diverse slate of speakers and programs will pique the interests of people of all ages. "We look forward to bringing the community the caliber of events that will start a dialog on important topics of interest in the Inland Empire, as well as nationally and internationally."

Other upcoming events will include a presentation of “Early Christmases in California” by Dr. Larry Burgess and a talk by Earl E. Devaney, the person Time magazine called the “stimulus watchdog” for his selection by President Barack Obama to oversee the spending of $787 billion in federal stimulus funds.

Learn more about the Town & Gown Series.