The Student Activities Council at Northwest Missouri State University has announced its 2014-2015 SAC Speaks lecture series, which features an FBI agent who has hunted down some of the most dangerous criminals, a holocaust survivor and human rights activist, a trans-woman actress and Emmy winner, and a “Breaking Bad” character who will talk about overcoming obstacles throughout his life.

All lectures will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are free and will be available at Student Services Center, located on the first floor of the Administration Building, at a later date.

 The mission of the Student Activities Council is to plan and administer activities for Northwest students in order to contribute to a well-rounded social, recreational and cultural life for the campus and community. SAC provides entertaining alternatives to students with late-night activities and events throughout the year including concerts, lectures, movies and comedians.

For more information, contact the Student Activities Council at 660.562.1226 or sacga@nwmissouri.edu.

 A complete schedule of the upcoming SAC speaks lecture series appears below with more information about each guest.

John Douglas: Legendary profiler & FBI Investigative Support Unit founder
(Monday, Nov. 17, J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom)

 John Douglas is famous for hunting down some of the most vicious criminals including the Tylenol poisoner, a man who hunted prostitutes for sport in the woods in Alaska and Seattle’s Green River killer – a case where he almost lost his own life.

Douglas brought about a new age in crime analysis and criminal profiling. He will expand on his national bestsellers, “Journey into Darkness” and “Mind Hunter,” and he discuss some of the most intriguing criminal cases of our time. Douglas is the author of “The Anatomy of Motive,” “The Cases That Haunt Us” and “Anyone You Want Me to Be: A True Story of Sex and Death on the Internet.” His most recent book, “Inside the Mind of BTK: The True Story Behind the Thirty-Year Hunt for the Notorious Wichita Serial Killer,” gives audiences a detailed insight of BTK’s mind through interviews with the murderer himself. 

As an expert in such cases, Douglas was a consultant in the O.J. Simpson case, the JonBenet Ramsey murder investigation and the prosecution of the “West Memphis Three.” After 25 years of service, Douglas can now tell his audience the importance of understanding the motives of an opponent, as it can influence success in any arena.

 
RJ Mitte: “Breaking Bad” star
(Monday, Feb. 2, Student Union Ballroom)

 RJ Mitte plays the son of Walter White Jr. in the Emmy-winning show “Breaking Bad” and suffers from cerebral palsy just like his character in the show. His acting career began with background roles in “Hannah Montana” and “Everybody Hates Chris” after he landed in Hollywood in 2005. But his career took off when he gained the “Breaking Bad” role as Walt Jr. Mitte was cast to enlighten a broader audience about people with disabilities.

 Aside from his acting, Mitte is involved in several organizations that raise awareness of equality and diversity. He is the youth spokesperson for an organization that works to improve the financial situation of low-income persons with disabilities and is spokesperson for a group that advocates for actors with disabilities. He also works with PACER’s National Center for Bullying Prevention.

 As an inspiration to many across the country, Mitte discusses the complications he has faced in his own life such as being bullied, overcoming obstacles and achieving his goals.

 
Dr. Inge Auerbacher: Holocaust survivor and human rights activist
(Tuesday, March 17, Student Union Ballroom)

 Dr. Inge Auerbacher spent three years as a child imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. She immigrated to the United States in 1946 and received a chemistry degree from Queens College. She has worked as a chemist for more than 38 years with many prominent medical scientists and researchers. 

Auerbacher is also a renowned writer and has received many awards. She wrote the only original song presented at the 1981 Jerusalem “World Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors” called “We Shall Never Forget.” She is the author of six books published in nine languages, including “Children of Terror,” “Beyond the Yellow Star to America” and “I Am a Star,” among many others.

 Auerbacher was also awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Louis E. Yavner Citizen Award and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Long Island University. In 2013, she was awarded prestigious awards for her work teaching tolerance and reconciliation, one of which was given by the president of Germany. She continues to inspire audiences of all ages with her incredibly powerful story and strong spirit.

 Laverne Cox: Transgender star in “Orange is the New Black”
(Wednesday, April 15, Location to be determined)

 Laverne Cox, star of the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black,” is the first trans-woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream scripted series. She is also the first trans-woman to produce and star in her own television show, “TRANSForm Me,” appear on the cover of Time magazine and be nominated for an Emmy.

 Cox plays the role of Sophia Burset, an African-American transgender woman serving as the prison’s hairdresser, on “Orange is the New Black.” Time magazine named her character the fourth most influential character of 2013, and she is a recipient of the Dorian Rising Star Award.

 Cox also has acted in “Law and Order,” “Law and Order: SVU” and HBO’s “Bored to Death,” among others. She also has roles in the upcoming films “36 Saints” and “Grand Street.”

As a transgender advocate and speaker, Cox spreads her empowering message of moving beyond gender expectations.