The Great Decisions Lecture Series begins Oct. 23 with an 11 a.m. panel discussion at Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, on the priceless contributions of community colleges for Americans of all ages. Entitled “Community College: Empowering Futures,” the 90-minute program will address the rewards of education and career paths that community colleges across America provide for all ages.

This program will be moderated by Northampton Community College Associate Dean Audree Chase with panelists David Barner of Mancor Industries in Allentown, Prof. Samuel Chen of NCC, Maria Schwartz of Cera-Met Company in Bethlehem, Orpha Jackson of Kirkland Village staff, and a NCC international student.

This 90-minute program will introduce the 2025 Great Decisions Lecture Series on American foreign policy and its new sponsor, Northampton Community College. Last April, the Bethlehem YWCA completed 50 years of sponsoring this lecture series before passing the program to NCC, who will now administrate the free October lecture and the eight-part foreign policy lecture program at Kirkland.

Kirkland Village Retirement Community is located in north Bethlehem, east of Route 512 and adjacent to the First Presbyterian Church. Parking is available in the church lot. The Great Decisions program runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes 30 minutes for audience questions. There is a fee. Credit cards, checks, or cash are accepted.

The Great Decisions essay manual for the course is produced by the NYC-based Foreign Policy Organization, whose mission is educating Americans about critical current global issues. Lecturers are primarily academics from area colleges and universities who volunteer their time. For additional information, contact CALinfo@northampton.edu or 610-861-4175.