Although the fifth season of UT Arlington's Maverick Speakers Series kicked off in September, we're looking forward to the 2013 lineup. Among the guys who will have our full attention are astronaut Mark Kelly, Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin and Grammy Award-winning musician Aaron Neville.
On February 19 at Texas Hall, astronaut, retired United States Navy captain and author Mark Kelly will talk about "Endeavoring to Build a Better America." After flying as a naval aviator in the Gulf War, he was chosen to become a NASA Space Shuttle pilot. Kelly participated in five space missions aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor.
His life took a turn when his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, almost died in an Arizona shooting. In Kelly's book, Gabby: A Story of Courage, Love and Resilience, he addresses his struggles overcoming the unexpected tragedy, his wife's miraculous survival and the power of love. Tickets are now available online.
Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin is an expert on ecosystems and endangered species. On March 27 at College Park Center, the enthusiastic conservationist will speak about "100 Heartbeats: A Global Movement." We expect to hear about his book, 100 Heartbeats: The Race to Save Earth's Most Endangered Species, and his experiences handling animals in the jungle and desert.
Corwin will participate in a Q&A with audience members and sign copies of his book Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World. Tickets will be available online beginning February 28.
To close the 2012-2013 speakers series, Grammy Award-winning musician Aaron Neville will take the stage. He's been creating music for more than 50 years; he is a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame; and he recently released the album My True Story, a mix of pop, R&B and soul music from the 1950s and '60s.
On April 2 at College Park Center, renowned jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis will join Neville for "A Night with New Orleans Music Legends." Tickets will be available online beginning March 1.
Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin speaks at UT Arlington March 27.
