Juli Dixon - 10/13/2015 - (Riall Lecture Series)

Abstract

Begun in 1988, the E. Pauline Riall Lecture Series brings to the University and community outstanding national lecturers in the field of education. The series was established by the late Miss Riall, long-time principal and teacher of the former Salisbury University's Campus School. A generous bequest was provided by Miss Riall's will to fund this special program. The 28th year of the Riall Lecture Series kicks off with an inspiring presentation by a motherdaughter team. Juli Dixon, PhD, is noted professor of math education at the University of Central Florida. Her daughter, Alex, is a high school student in Orlando. When she was undergoing brain surgery at age 12, Alex suffered of a debilitating stroke that left her partially paralyzed and with severe speech impairment. The story of Alex's remarkable progress is chronicled in a presentation by both mother and daughter, featuring actual videos at several stages of her recovery. Their message of hope, perseverance, determination and patience has relevance for teachers at all levels. The Riall Lecture is free and open to the public. The Dixons will be available to sign copies of the book written by Juli and Alex's sister Jessica, A Stroke of Luck: A Girl's Second Chance at Life, following the lecture.