It’s a day that 900 women will come together to learn about and celebrate the melody in their lives.
The Kaleidoscope 2001, sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association, takes place today at the Kellogg Center, and includes a luncheon and informational sessions in the morning and early afternoon.
The theme, An Aria for Everyone’s Life, will focus on music, health and creativity in women’s lives.
Alumni Association member Beverly Carnahan said Kaleidoscope, in its 27th year, was created to provide women an opportunity to break away from normal routines and receive information on health concerns and other issues.
“The sessions impact events surrounding women’s day to day lives,” she said.
“It’s an excellent day for women to come abreast of current things that may have a bearing on their lives.”
And the public has been receptive to the event in the past, Carnahan said.
“Kaleidoscope has always been one of our most popular events,” she said.
“It’s an outstanding program - every year we’ve been at capacity.”
Soprano Roberta Peters is the keynote speaker for this year’s Kaleidoscope, and will perform following the luncheon.
Peters is a recipient of the National Medal of Art and the Bolshoi Medal, and has performed all over the world.
Alumni Association member Sharon Radtke said the association was looking forward to having a vocalist at Kaleidoscope this year.
“We thought is would be fun, and opera is something different,” Radtke said. “Roberta Peters has been on every opera stage in the world.”
Other presenters include performer and scholar Elliot Engel, Frederick Tims of the MSU School of Music and E. Sharon Banks, Lansing School District superintendent.
A portion of the proceeds from the Kaleidoscope Emporium, a gallery of jewelry, gifts and artwork showcased at Kaleidoscope, will also benefit the Mildred B. Erickson Fellowship.
The Erickson Fellowship, created in 1975, provides scholarships for nontraditional female students to help them complete college education.
Fellowship board member Jamie Haley said the scholarships assist nearly 50 women per year.
“The uniqueness of the Erickson Scholarship is that it gives encouragement and hope to an adult who has had their education interrupted.”
