“The Downward Spiral of Addiction and the Journey Out” hosted by the WSU Common Reading Program April 18

Pullman, Wash. — The Washington State University Common Reading Program hosts Noel Vest to discuss “The Downward Spiral of Addiction and the Journey Out: Prison, Academia, and Recovery” at 5 p.m. in CUE 203.  This lecture is free and open to the public.

An experimental psychology Ph.D. student and WSU Tri-Cities alumnus, Vest will detail his life experiences and the perspective they lend to this year’s conversation surrounding the year’s Common Reading book, “Just Mercy.”

He is candid about his struggle with addiction and alcoholism for much of his life. Drug- and alcohol-free since July 1, 2002, he has dedicated his life to helping other addicts overcome addiction as well as teaching them that it is never too late to battle back from adversity. Told through his own inspiring and life-changing experience, Vest’s presentation will discuss his journey through the criminal justice system and the redeeming role that academia has played in his spirited story.

Since 2006, the Common Reading Program has stimulated academic discussions in first-year courses, classrooms, and beyond, touching the academic lives of thousands of WSU students. The program is part of WSU Undergraduate Education and hosts expert guest lectures, film showings, and other events that explore the topics raised in this year’s chosen book, “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson.

See more coverage on the event at The Daily News.

Contacts:

Karen Weathermon, WSU Common Reading Program Co-Director, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-5488, kweathermon@wsu.edu

Emma Epperly, Communications and Marketing Junior Assistant, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-9458, emmaepperly@wsu.edu