"Challenges and Opportunities in Cities Today: Lessons from Albany"
Subject of "Community Connection" Talk by Helen Desfosses on Feb. 11

Contact: Lisa James Goldsberry (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 5, 2004)- Helen R. Desfosses, associate dean at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, will speak on "Challenges and Opportunities in Cities Today: Lessons from Albany" on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at noon, in the Cobb Room, University Library, on the UAlbany uptown campus. The talk is sponsored by the Friends of the Libraries and is one of a series of talks in the spring 2004 "Community Conversations" series. The talks are free and open to the public.

Desfosses is also an associate professor in the departments of Public Administration and Policy and Africana Studies. In addition, she is serving her second four-year term as president of the Albany Common Council. The author of numerous books and articles on local, national, and international policy issues, Desfosses is also a news analyst on local television and radio stations.

"Cities are the most enduring, yet vulnerable, institutions, beset by changing fads and funding," notes Desfosses. "They are also prized for their excitement, community, diversity, and links to civilizations and the arts. Albany is uniquely positioned to cope with the challenges and benefit from the positive."

The Friends of the Libraries sponsor daylong outings to cultural events and historic places as well as hosting "Community Conversations" for the extended university community. The trips, modestly priced, include seating on a chartered bus plus a luncheon. Membership in the Friends of the Libraries is open to all who share an enthusiasm for books and a commitment to building for the future of the University Libraries at the University at Albany. For more information about the Friends of the Libraries, visit http://library.Albany.edu/friends or contact Roberta Armstrong, (518) 442-3540.