Symposium at Cal Lutheran University to explore advances from Scandinavian countries

The emergence of many cutting edge developments in the Scandinavian countries will be the topic of the seventh annual Nordic Spirit Symposium at California Lutheran University.

The event begins Fri. evening, Feb. 17, and continues with a full day of talks and presentations Sat., Feb. 18 in CLU’s Samuelson Chapel, on the campus at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks.

The Nordic Spirit Symposium will focus on current diverse developments in the Nordic countries, ranging from shipping, energy and the environment to political changes for the indigenous Sami.

Presenters will include Sverre Meling Jr.; Margareta Svensson; Helena Jonsson Franchi; Mette Hjort; Thorhild Widvey, former Petroleum and Energy Minister of Norway; Dr. Lars Kristofferson, leading environmentalist in Sweden; and Johan Mikkel Sara, vice president of the Sami Parliament in Norway.

In a combined performancelecture grand finale presentation, Finnish-American musician Craig Randal Johnson will explore social and cultural ramifications of ongoing musical directions in the Nordic countries. A reception and dinner Saturday evening will follow the symposium.

General admission is $50, with options for single day admission. Early registration discounts are available. Student registration is free.

For more information on each day’s program as well as registration and fees, please call Allan Carlson at (818) 788-4552.

The symposium is sponsored by the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation and California Lutheran University, and is made possible by a grant from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation with additional support from the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco.