This semester Saint Mary’s College of California is holding a speaker’s series themed “Against the Grain,” in which “students are challenged to think in new ways and explore social justice issues as part of the College’s Lasallian heritage.” On Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Bill Ayers, professor of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, will deliver a public lecture at Saint Mary’s entitled “Trudging Toward Freedom.” From 1968 to 1972 Bill Ayers participated in several acts of domestic terrorism, including setting off bombs at the New York City Police Headquarters and the Pentagon. His notoriety increased during the 2008 presidential election when it was made public that he is a long-time acquaintance of president-elect Barack Obama. Source: Saint Mary’s College of California