VGCC holds seminar series on Epidemics

Vance-Granville Community College will offer a series of three seminars on epidemics, as people throughout the region and around the world seek to become more educated and prepared for possible influenza outbreaks.

The seminars are offered by VGCC’s Arts and Sciences division, and were conceived by Biology instructor Phyllis “Button” Brady after she was inundated with questions and concerns about all forms of the flu. “I thought it would be informative to teach about epidemics in general, to increase our community’s awareness and preparedness,” Brady said. She took this idea to her fellow Arts and Sciences faculty members, who added their perspectives from other disciplines.

Brady will lead the first seminar on scientific and environmental issues related to epidemics and prevention on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Next, social sciences instructor Joshua McKaughan leads a seminar with a historical perspective, especially focusing on how epidemics have affected the South, on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Finally, English instructor James Powell conducts a seminar on the prevalence of epidemics in literature on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Each will be held from 1 until 3 p.m. in the VGCC Civic Center on Main Campus.

The series is open to the public, in addition to VGCC students, faculty and staff. For more information, call Brady at (252) 738-3277.