Contributed

LaGrange College will bring out the “bling” for its eighth annual 3D Journeys lecture and travel series with programs highlighting five sparkling “Jewels of Central Europe.”

The 2018 series, which kicks off with a preview at 10 a.m. Monday, will spotlight five of the world’s great cities: Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg, Vienna and Prague.

“Four impressive world capitals bursting with history and beauty, plus Salzburg, a storied cultural capital, will give us abundant opportunities to ‘discover, discuss and develop’ new ideas through lectures and travel,” said Ann Beason, who co-chairs the 3D Journeys series with Nancy Durand.

Monday’s preview will be in the Dickson Assembly Room of Turner Hall and will introduce the lecturers and their topics. Like all 3D sessions, it is free and open to anyone with an interest in learning.

Also, details and rates for a spring 2018 trip to the five featured cities, hosted by President Dan McAlexander and Celeste Myall, will be presented.

Participants do not have to travel to attend the lectures, which average upward of 100 attendees monthly. Typically, about a third of the lecture-goers also take the college-hosted trip to experience the 3D destination firsthand. Previous trips have included the Georgia coast, Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Cuba and Sicily.

The 2018 lecture dates and speakers are Dr. John Tures, political science, on Jan. 22; Dr. Dottie Joiner, art and design, on Feb. 26; LaGrange Public Safety Director Lou Dekmar, a native of Hungary, March 26 and Dr. Beth Everett, music, April 23.

“LaGrange is fortunate to have an incredibly sharp community that demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning,” said Dr. Tures. “The professors who speak always learn something from the 3D audience.”

A Dutch-treat lunch will be available at Pitts Dining Hall following all of the sessions.

Guests should park at Sunny Gables Alumni House, 910 Broad St., for shuttle transport to the door.

For more information, call 706-880-8244 or email 3DJourneys@lagrange.edu.