Riall Lecture Features Bertice Berry, April 6

SALISBURY, MD--Salisbury State Universityâs Riall Lecture Series features Dr. Bertice Berry, award-winning lecturer, stand-up comedian, and host of "USA Live," USA Networkâs daily, interactive talk show, on Tuesday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium. Berry has carved out a unique niche as a scholar with a message and a sense of humor.

Growing up poor in Wilmington, DE, the sixth of seven children, Berry was determined to go to college. With no money available, she persevered and soon received a call from Jacksonville (FL) University. She graduated magna cum laude in 1982 and was awarded the Presidentâs Cup.

Upon completion of her masterâs degree at Kent State University she entered into its doctoral program and began teaching part-time. She became one of the most popular instructors on campus by using humor as a tool for learning. With the encouragement of students and colleagues she entered an amateur night contest at a local comedy club and won ... her initiation to the world of stand-up began. She received her Ph.D. in sociology in 1988 and went on the road fulltime, earning the 1992 "Lecturer of the Year" by the National Association of Campus Activities.

She has been host and co-executive producer "The Bertice Berry Show," appeared on Lifetimeâs "Girls Night Out," authored "Bertice: The World According to Me," which will be included in the anthology "33 Things Every Girl Should Know," and starred in "The Little Black Girl Who Did," based on her book. Her presentation, free and open to the public, is directed toward teachers and social workers. An informal follow-up session is on Wednesday, April 7, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in SSUâs Caruthers Hall Auditorium.

The E. Pauline Riall Lecture Series was established by the late Miss Riall, long-time principal and teacher of SSUâs Campus School. The purpose of this series is to bring the University and community outstanding national speakers in the field of education.

For more information contact the SSU Public Relations Office at 410-543-6030.