Dr. Jane Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist, anthropologist and conservationist, will speak at the O’rena March 27 at 7 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Academic Affairs, Varner Vitality Lecture Series, Student Life Lecture Board and the Oakland University Alumni Association.

In her lecture, “Sowing the Seeds of Hope,” Dr. Goodall will take her audience into the world of Gombe chimpanzees by sharing personal observations and experiences.

Oakland University’s Academic Affairs office has affirmed she will discuss a variety of topics ranging from her research work in Kakombe Valley in 1960, to current efforts in spreading messages of hope for the planet’s future.

While discussing the threats facing the planet and her reasons for preserving hope, Dr. Goodall plans to encourage her audience to do their part in making a positive difference everyday, according to www.janegoodall.org

“With the intriguing movement and inspiring story that Jane Goodall brings, I’m confident that everyone will walk out as an impacted individual,” said Amera Fattah, student representative of the Student Life Lecture Board. “The last time an event sponsored by the Student Life Lecture Board was sold out, was when Alton Brown spoke at the O’rena in 2009.”

As the global leader of the Jane Goodall Institute, Dr. Goodall works to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, as well as establish innovative conservation programs around the world.

She is also an author, the subject of many TV documentaries and films, and holds possession of numerous honors such as the Kyoto Prize, UNESCO’s Gold Medal Award, Dame of the British Empire, the French Legion of Honor, the Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence and the United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Tickets are currently on sale at the Center for Student Activities service window in the Oakland Center.

The event is free for all OU students, faculty and staff, plus one free ticket for guests. Other tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children six years and younger.

To order tickets by phone or to obtain more information about ticket prices, please call the service window at 248-370-4407.