With the 2008 election cycle nearing its climactic finish on Nov. 4, the Wittenberg University Political Science Department continues its innovative colloquium series titled "Affairs of the State: Ohio" with a presentation by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Bayley Auditorium in the Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center.

Brunner, who will make a presentation titled "Preparation, Partnership, Success," is the second of four Ohio government officials to participate in the colloquium series. Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher kicked things off with a presentation titled "Positioning Ohio for the 21st Century: Globalization, New Frontiers and the Future" on Sept. 24. That colloquium was followed by a news conference that announced an innovative university-community venture called the Center for Civic and Urban Engagement.

"Affairs of the State: Ohio" continues with a presentation titled "Global Warming – Science or Religion?" by Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5; and a presentation titled "The Essential Role of Federal, State and Community Partnerships in Achieving Ohio's Public Health Goals" by Ohio Department of Health Director Alvin Jackson at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 19.

Brunner, who graduated cum laude in sociology-gerontology from Miami University, is Ohio's first woman to serve as secretary of state. Prior to assuming the post, Brunner served as legislative counsel for the Secretary of State's Office, following 13 years of election law private practice as a Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge.

The 2008 recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, the nation's most prestigious honor for elected public servants, Brunner earned her J.D. with honors from Capital University Law School.