Anthropologist Anne Weaver Kicks Off Voices of the Southwest at National Hispanic Cultural Center

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m., award-winning author and UNM alumna Anne Weaver will be the first speaker in the recently resurrected Voices of the Southwest lecture series at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Weaver's book, 'The Voyage of the Beetle,' explores Charles Darwin's "mystery of mysteries" by taking young readers on a scientific ride that helps answer the questions of why so many different species exist on Earth and why each is uniquely fitted for its environment. An hour-long talk will precede a question-and-answer period and book signing.

Weaver, who graduated from UNM with a Ph.D. in anthropology, will talk about teaching evolution. She has taught at Santa Fe Community College and will continue her quest to make evolution accessible with a book on hominid children through time, forthcoming from UNM Press.

Weaver's 'The Voyage of the Beetle' won the New Mexico Press Women's 2008 Zia Award for best children's book and will also be the New Mexico State Library's selection to represent the state at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. Sept. 27.

Voices of the Southwest was begun in 2003 by then UNM Associate Provost Dr. David Stuart, in conjunction with UNM Press. Employing UNM Press authors, the series has covered a broad range of topics-from New Mexico history and culture to world archaeology to literature and poetry-and proven a forum for the public to mingle with recognized authors and learn about a specific subject.

KUNM will simulcast the lectures on 89.9 FM and online at KUNM ~ 89.9 FM. For more information about the Voices of the Southwest or to view the complete lineup, visit UNM Press or contact Christina Frain at 505-272-7183 or cfrain@unm.edu.