Brownbag lecture: “Finding God at Mizzou,” by Dr. Stephen Montgomery-Smith, MU professor of mathematics. Sponsored by the MU Christian Scholars Forum.

Book signing and Lecture: Annual Delta Gamma Lecture in Values and Ethics features Jeff Corwin speaking on “Tales from the Field.” Host of two “Animal Planet” shows and star of CNN’s “Planet in Peril” series, Corwin discusses environmental threats facing us today and what we can do to encourage conservation. Sponsored by the MSA/GPC Speakers Committee, the ORG, Delta Gamma Foundation Lectureship in Values and Ethics, MU Alumni Association, MU Parents Development Council and Student Life.

Lecture: “Always Wanting More: Implications of Materialism for Ourselves and Our World,” by Dr. Marsha Richins, Myron Watkins Distinguished Professor of Marketing at MU’s Trulaske College of Business. The annual 21st Century Corp of Discovery Lecture examines how the desire to acquire impacts us, our loved ones and the world. Free. Sponsored by the MU Chancellor’s Office.

Ramadan Fast-a-thon and Iftar Dinner: The MU Muslim Students’ Organization holds a “fast-a-thon” from dawn to sunset on Sept. 17. Donors sign up in the Arts & Sciences walkway or Memorial Union, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 11, 12, 15, 16, and contribute to Central Missouri Food Bank. Sponsored by the Muslim Students’ Organization and Organization Resource Group.

Film: “Persepolis,” animated feature film from the eyes of Marji, a girl growing up in 1970s Iran and her formative years in Austria as she faces cultural conflicts and decides where she truly belongs. Free. Sponsored by the MSA/GPC Films and International Programming committees.

Lecture and book signing: Greg Mortenson, author of the bestselling “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time,” speaks and answers questions about building schools in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Q&A follows lecture. $10 public; free for students. Sponsored by Student Life, MSA/GPC, University Bookstore and New Student Programs.

Grand Rounds: “Health Ethics: Persistent Vegetative State,” by Aarti Sarwal, MBBS, resident physician. Also broadcast via telehealth. E-mail schneiderm@health.missouri.edu.

Panel: “Politics and Religion – God in the White House,”a roundtable discussion on the nexus of religion, politics and news as we head toward the 2008 election and beyond in a religiously charged world. Features Chicago Sun-Times religion columnist Cathleen Falsani, author of “The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People;”and Dan Gilgoff, politics editor of Beliefnet.com, the world’s largest faith and spirituality web site, and “God-o-Meter” blogger on religion in the presidential race. Part of Missouri School of Journalism Centennial and Dedication event. Sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions and the Religion Newswriters Association.

Panel: “The Life of Meaning – Finding and Reporting It in a World of Crisis,” brings veteran journalists together to share their experiences covering the tiny and monumental moments – often involving faith – that give meaning to human life. Features Bob Abernethy, executive editor and host of Religion & Ethics Newsweekly on PBS; Pat Rice, Pulitzer nominee, former St. Louis Post-Dispatch religion editor, and contributor to St. Louis Beacon.org; and Bill Tammeus, editorial page columnist for the Kansas City Star. Part of Missouri School of Journalism Centennial and Dedication event. Sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions and the Religion Newswriters Association.