'Bill Nye the Science Guy' to close out SEMO Speaker Series on Tuesday

Scientist, inventor, comedian, writer and award-winning television personality Bill Nye will speak at the final event of Southeast Missouri State University's 2011-2012 Speaker Series at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Best known as "The Science Guy," Nye will discuss science as it relates to the world, climate and environment, and is expected to relate personal experiences and how he became interested in science.

Nye holds patents for designs on a magnifying glass made of water and improved ballet shoes. While working on the comedy TV show "Almost Live" in Seattle, Nye created his "Bill Nye the Science Guy" persona and won seven national Emmy Awards for writing, performing and producing. Nye has also hosted the Science Channel's "The 100 Greatest Discoveries" and PBS's "The Eyes of Nye." Nye is the author of five children's books, most recently, "Bill Nye's Great Big Book of Tiny Germs."

"From my perspective, [the goal of the Speaker series] is to provide educational opportunities for the students outside of the classroom," said Joanna Shaver, coordinator of Campus Programs. "We want to present a diversity of speakers from political to educational to wellness. We want to enhance their education by offering something they don't get in a classroom."

When the program was initiated, students attended because of class requirements, she said. The process of selecting the speakers has changed since then.

"We asked several student groups, students individually and had several focus groups. We narrowed the topics and then looked for recognized speakers that could talk about what the students are interested in," Shaver said.

"Now we see students coming of their own free will," Shaver said. "Topics and speakers are something they are interested in. It's something they want to do."

Tickets for the event are still available and are free for Southeast students, faculty and staff with valid university ID card, and are $10 for the public.

For more information, visit showmecenter.biz/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=354 or www.semo.edu/speakers/index_36488.htm.

Pertinent address:

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.