CLC STEM Speaker Series highlights Illinois as center for innovation

Nationally known author, speaker and journalist John Wasik will explain how Illinois has been the center of major innovations, from John Deere's self-scouring plow to high-tech start-ups, at the College of Lake County STEM Speaker Series at 7 p.m. Feb 22. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in Room A011, the Lower Level A Wing Auditorium at the Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St.

Wasik's presentation will cover the first steel-framed skyscraper and Illinois' other, world-changing inventions as well as the men, women and stories behind them. He also will explain how Illinois is still shaping global business, technology, science and the arts-and how to ensure the innovation continues.

A Grayslake resident, Wasik has authored 17 books and has spoken to crowds from coast to coast on investing, retirement and protecting one's money. His columns have been seen in newspapers on five continents, and he regularly comments on top economic news in all media. His "Bamboozlement" blog on MyForbes.com tries to protect investors from financial scams. Wasik previously has spoken at CLC on subjects covered in two of his books: how to avoid college debt and the life of inventor Nikola Tesla. Find out more about Wasik at http://johnwasik.net/.

For more information, email Rob Twardock at rtwardock@clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2044. This program is cosponsored by the CLC Engineering department and Biological and Health Sciences division.