This year's Discovery Forum showcases creative ideas and possibilities discovered through collaborative efforts among the arts, science, education, and business communities.

Join us in the morning as we explore the collaboration that takes place among local and federal government to produce better communities.

Jim Owens, Caterpillar Inc Chairman and CEO

Jim Ardis, Mayor, City of Peoria, Illinois

John Norquist, former Mayor of Milwaukee and President of the Center for New Urbanism

Facilitator, Jonathan Ahl, News Director, WCBU-FM

You will be entertained and inspired by speakers who are proving that, by working together, we can educate all children.

Rafe Esquith, Educator and author of There Are No Shortcuts: Changing the World One Kid at a Time and “The Hobart Shakespeareans,” student actors, featured in a PBS documentary in fall 2005

Brad Cohen, Georgia 's First Class Teacher of the Year, and author of Front of the Class

Ken Hinton, Superintendent, Peoria Public Schools District #150

Facilitator Garry Moore, Anchor and Senior Producer of WEEK “News 25 Today”

Following lunch, created by a team from Illinois Central College 's Culinary Institute and Centerplate Catering, return to the Civic Center Theater to hear internationally recognized experts discuss the creative possibilities in science and art that emerge from collaboration.

Natalie Jeremijenko, Design Engineer and Technoartist

Martina Newell-McGloughlin, Director, University of California 's Systemwide Biotechnology Research and Education Program

Alan Lightman, Scientist, Educator, and author of the bestseller, Einstein's Dreams

Dr. Robert McDavid, Engineering Specialist with Technology & Solutions Division, Caterpillar Inc., will moderate the afternoon session.

The Discovery Forum concludes with the presentation of the second annual Peoria Prize for Creativity - a $10,000 national competition designed to honor creativity in all its forms and reward collaborative inspiration among individuals representing the arts and sciences.

Finally, adjourn to the Creativity Showcase for a cocktail reception sponsored by Caterpillar Inc. Technology & Solutions Division, Methodist Medical Center, National City Bank, and OSF St. Francis Medical Center.

Last updated: 04/07/06