Lecture series will continue

Despite the loss of a legend, the 31st annual Jack Williamson Lectureship series will continue on in memory of the Eastern New Mexico University professor and pioneering science fiction author.

This year’s lectureship theme will be “From Metal Man to Stonehenge Gate: 79 Years of Science Fiction,” according to an ENMU press release.

Guest speakers, and close associates of Williamson, Connie Willis and Richard (Rick) Hauptmann will kick off the event on Friday at 11:45 a.m. during a luncheon in the Campus Union Ballroom at ENMU.

“I think it will be good. We expect a big turnout,” Hauptmann said.

A grandmaster of science fiction, the lectureship will honor and pay tribute to the late Williamson who passed away in October, said Hauptmann.

“He was really pretty remarkable,” Hauptmann said of Williamson.

Two panel discussions, both free and open to the public, will take place in the Science Fiction Special Collections area located upstairs in the Golden Library.

Narrated by science fiction author Willis, the first session will be held from 2-3 p.m., and the title will be “Science Fiction Past and Future: The Williamson Legacy.”

“The Art of Science Fiction Today: Who’s Writing What and How,” will take place from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and will be moderated by science fiction screenwriter Melinda Snodgrass, according to the press release.

Other panelists include writers Walter Jon Williams and Ed Bryant, and publisher Stephen Haffner, as well as Hauptmann and Eleanor Wood, Williamson's literary agent for nearly 30 years.

For more information, call Gene Bundy at 562-2636.

At a glance

What: 31st annual Jack Williamson Lectureship

When: 11:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Friday

Where: Luncheon at Campus Union Building, Panels at Golden Library

Luncheon cost: $8. Reservations are required no later than 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25. RSVP by calling 562-2315 or by e-mailing Belinda Hilliard at [email protected].