(Sept. 26, 2007) -- Michael Josephson, whose KNX radio "Character Counts" commentaries are heard throughout the southland and is creator of a character-education framework used in a number schools nationally, will launch CSULB's "Distinguished Speaker Series" on October 10, discussing "Ethics in America' at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.

Photo source: Josephson Institute for Ethics

A lawyer by training (retired from that profession), Mr. Josephson is founder/creator of the L.A.-based Joseph & Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics (named for his parents) whose mission to "enhance the ethical climate of society by improving organizational and personal decision making and behavior." Mr. Josephson has served as a consultant and led training seminars for educational institutions, corporations and government officials.

Photo source: Straight Talk Productions, Inc.

CSULB's Distinguished Speaker Series was created of Prof. Art Levine, who teaches Ethics & Legal Studies at the ELB campus and is Executive Producer/Host of Straight Talk, the long-running public affairs program seen on cable TV and webcast worldwide via www.straighttalktv.com.

Prof. Levine, Founder/Director of the Distinguished Speaker series, says its mission is, "To bring men and women of distinction to the CSULB campus to provide insight and illumination into the critical issues of our time, and to inspire and motivate the University community and the citizens of greater Long Beach."

Prof. Levine says Mr. Josephson is "a wonderful speaker [with] an engaging presentation style and possesses unmatched expertise in the practical application of ethics."

Doors to the Carpenter Event Center (6200 Atherton St.) swing open on Oct. 10 at 12:30 p.m. for sponsor exhibits, live music, no-host light refreshments. Mr. Josephson's speech begins at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for general admission with advance purchase; at the door on the event day they'll be $25 (if available). Parking is $5 payable on-site.

A Sponsor Reception with LB Mayor Bob Foster as a featured guest starts at 11:30 a.m. and includes lunch at The Pointe in the Walter Pyramid, a parking pass and preferred seating for the main event. Sponsor tickets are $100; tables of 10 are also available.

Those interested in attending should mail ticket requests to the Distinguished Speaker Series, MS 8501, CSULB, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90840-8501. Make checks payable to the "CSULB Foundation" and include a full name and e-mail address. Reservations will be acknowledged by e-mail and tickets will be held at the door under the requesting name.

For tickets and other information, contact Prof. Levine at (562) 985-5673 or via e-mail at alevine@csulb.edu