November 7th , 2005
For Immediate Release
For more information:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Charlene Brown
(801) 863-7205
Former Miss America to Heal Broken Hearts at UVSC
Utah Valley State College will host Marilyn Van Derbur, former Miss America, at a one- hour symposium “Healing from Sexual Abuse” November 15 at 10 a.m. in the Student Center Grande Ballroom. Van Derbur is a survivor of incest and will share her remarkable story of overcoming the pain and quiet suffering. Her 2003 book, “Miss America by Day” unfolds her childhood trauma of “betrayals and conditional love.” She will be available for a book signing after the event as well as personal interaction with survivors.
Van Derbur, a native of Denver, Colorado, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado in 1960 with Phi Beta Kappa honors. Van Derbur has dedicated much of her life as an advocate for victims of sexual abuse. She has co-founded two not-for-profit organizations for public education on sexual abuse and its long-term effects. She is widely recognized as an expert on survival of sexual abuse and she has spoken at more than 200 conferences, colleges and corporate functions nationwide.
The symposium is free to the public and will be an opportunity for Utahans to address the problem of sexual abuse in the state. Survivors and anyone interested in preventing childhood sexual abuse is encouraged to attend. The symposium is sponsored by UVSC’s Center for the Study of Ethics, Dean of Continuing Education, Turning Point, Equity in Education and Sunshine Center. For more information contact Jennifer Howard at (801) 863-5366.
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