Brenau University lines up former Governor as guest lecturer

The Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute, a signature program of Brenau’s Center for Lifetime Study, will celebrate 30 years of programming with a special guest lecture from former Gov. Nathan Deal on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

“We welcome the public to help BULLI celebrate our 30th year, and join us as we celebrate the good works of BULLI and its vision to be a model lifelong learning community, accessible to and meeting the needs of a diverse and growing population of mature adults,” BULLI Executive Director Tim Bryant said. “We are grateful for Gov. Deal’s support of BULLI by serving as a guest lecturer.”

In the lecture, “The Keeping of Our Republic,” Deal will discuss the challenges of the past 250 years to our form of government at the state and federal levels. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in the Hosch Theatre at the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts. A pre-event reception to celebrate BULLI begins at 6 p.m. in the Burd Center lobby.

Due to limited seating, registration is required for the lecture; visit this link to register on Eventbrite. The BULLI program was organized in spring 1994 by Brenau administrators, led by John Burd, Brenau’s president at the time, and members of the Gainesville community.

From the beginning, Brenau professors, community experts, professionals, and BULLI members have taught courses that span a variety of interests, including academic, arts, self-improvement, and health and wellness. As the program embarks on this milestone year, Bryant reflects on a mission that remains unchanged over three decades.

“BULLI’s mission remains constant to provide educational courses and programs that inspire mature adults to continue to be mentally and physically active in a welcoming environment as an outreach of Brenau University,” Bryant said. “Social connections remain strong as members share common interests and experiences through BULLI’s varied learning and leisure activities.”

New and signature BULLI courses and experiences, open only to BULLI members, are planned throughout the year.

Deal’s lecture topic is planned to be expanded into a BULLI course, “The Keeping of Our Republic,” consisting of six in-person sessions.

Cost for the members-only course is $45.

Deal served two terms as Georgia governor from 2011-19. He also was a state senator for 12 years and U.S. representative for 17. Deal earned a law degree from Mercer University and practiced law in Gainesville for more than 20 years.

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