The 2011-2012 academic year will welcome Cameron University’s triennial event—the Academic Festival. The Academic Festival is a dynamic, privately funded, year-long symposium which explores a topic worthy of in-depth study. During the course of the academic year, guest speakers, campus-wide activities, seminars, special events, and cross-curricular emphasis in the classroom are all strategically planned to support the study of the Festival’s topic. The topic chosen for the 2011-2012 Academic Festival, “Afghanistan: Its Complexities and Relevance,” will present numerous opportunities for Cameron students and the public to gain an understanding of this central Asian country.

Five internationally recognized guest speakers are scheduled to address Cameron’s students and members of the public during the 2011-2012 Academic Festival. Combined, the expertise of these speakers covers a broad array of issues relevant to Afghanistan. All lectures are open to the public and free of charge. Due to expected interest, tickets are required for each speaking engagement.

Cameron University expresses deep gratitude to a longstanding and committed supporter, the McCasland Foundation, chief sponsor of the 2011-2012 Academic Festival. Over the years, primary support for the Academic Festivals has come from the McCasland/Amquest Bank Endowed Chair, established by the McCasland Foundation in 1989. Additional funding for this year’s festival is provided by the Cameron University Foundation and Lectures and Concerts.

The Duncan-based McCasland Foundation was established in 1950 and is committed to supporting educational opportunities in Southwest Oklahoma. Cameron University has been fortunate to receive a number of contributions from the Foundation that have enabled Cameron to provide additional educational services, resources and opportunities to our students and faculty.

The McCasland Foundation has provided matching funds for more than 50 endowed lectureships and has funded almost 200 scholarships. The Foundation has been a significant donor to Cameron’s McMahon Centennial Complex, the Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies, and the Sciences Complex.

In the McCasland Foundation, Cameron University has a true partner in education. Cameron University thanks the McCasland Foundation for its shared enthusiasm for education and for supporting Cameron’s exciting vision and ambitious goals.