Hailey Heard

This topic stems from personal research collected over the past two years. In the community of Dallas/Ft. Worth, the area Reform Jewish synagogues collect data on the persons going through the conversion ceremony. With the help of a few rabbis, it has come to my attention that a roughly estimated one out of seven "Jews-by-Choice" are openly homosexual. This statistic is, supposedly, common amongst many of the Reform communities across the U. S. With great pleasure, I was able to interview a number of these people to see why they converted, understand what their stance is on sexual orientation and religion, and get a better understanding of their spiritual lives. This research resulted in a short paper documenting the current responses to homosexuality by both Jewish and Christian organizations, and it highlighted personal stories by the interviewees to show how much religious institutions can affect human lives.

Bryan Parker

Within the subculture of independent music, politics and spirituality have always been present. In the 60s, music served almost as the foundation for those involved in counterculture movements. Now, amidst new war and social injustice, subculture music is experiencing a revival in which politics and spirituality play a major role. I will be exploring the lyrics and ideas of

bands and songwriters such as Pedro the Lion, Cat Power, Bright Eyes, and Xiu Xiu.

Kay Byfield

Acknowledging the strong economic and political relationship between the United States and China, as well as anticipation of the 2008 Olympic Games, Kay Byfield looks forward to sharing some of her observations of contemporary life in China. Because her son is a Foreign Service Officer attached to the American Embassy in Beijing, Kay had the opportunity to meet Americans and Chinese nationals and to form some impressions of the culture

during her month-long visit in December. During her presentation, Kay will show photographs and describe some of her surprising experiences and impressions of that simultaneously ancient, yet modern culture.

Derek Eberly & Randy Spears

The goal of "Through Their Eye's" is to open the audience's eyes to the struggles of students with disabilities. Participants will obtain a very brief look at the everyday struggles of a student with a mental disability. Audience members will obtain a general understanding of what a learning disability is, how societal expectations affect the success of the students, and insight on how frustration plays a key role in the struggling learner's motivation to be successful. Hopefully, you will leave this presentation with a heightened awareness of the plight of struggling learners

Teachers: Michael Herbert & Meredith Wylie

Enjoy an evening of music in our new venue. Several friends of the UFL are donating their time and talent to raise our spirits