Lecture Free and Open to the Public Wednesday, March 21

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - March 19, 2012) - - - It's been 50 years since the world was stunned by news that 36-year-old Marilyn Monroe's lifeless body was discovered in her Hollywood home. On Wednesday, March 21 at 11 a.m. in Room 122 of the Frank G. Clement Building, Columbia State Community College student Robby Honaker will host a special student lecture that examines the continued fascination with the sex goddess actress' life and death and its appeal to yet another generation of fans.

Linked romantically to Hollywood's leading men of her era, notably Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford; sports icons like Joe DiMaggio; and politicians John and Robert Kennedy, mystery has surrounded her death and possible suicide. At the time, there was speculation that her apparent suicide may have been an orchestrated murder tied to her alleged romantic relationship with President Kennedy.

Intrigued by a recent Lyceum lecture, Honaker has conducted his own research on Marilyn Monroe and her continued popularity. Noting the recent film, My Week with Marilyn, Honaker will examine the continued media coverage and the appeal of the actress with audiences of today.

The lecture is free and opened to the public.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

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