DICKINSON - The schedule of events has been finalized for Dickinson State University's third annual Theodore Roosevelt Symposium to be held Oct. 9-11.

This year's symposium is titled "Theodore Roosevelt, The Conservationist in the Arena" and focuses on the 26th president's commitment to conservation.

The three-day symposium brings together nationally recognized authors and historians to discuss Roosevelt's life and work in the American West, his reading in conservation literature, and the friendships he forged that influenced his conservation ethic and legislative program.

The symposium also includes a DSU Theatre production featuring scenes from "Old Four Eyes," a play by Thomas M. Patterson that was first presented at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, Medora, in 1958.

The symposium culminates in a field trip to Medora and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Oct. 11.

Guest scholars include keynote presenter Douglas Brinkley, author and history professor at Rice University, Houston; Dan Flores, history professor at the University of Montana-Missoula; Robert Morgan, English professor at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.; and Donald Worster from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.

Clay Jenkinson, director of the DSU Theodore Roosevelt Center Project, will serve as symposium moderator and will appear as Roosevelt in "Old Four Eyes." The DSU faculty will be represented by Gary Cummisk, professor of geology and anthropology.

TRNP Superintendent Valerie Naylor will be a special guest at the symposium and will participate in a panel discussion on conservation during the field trip to Medora.

Other panel participants include representatives from the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Forest Service. Additional highlights of the field trip include guided hikes in the park, "History Alive" walking tours of Medora and a reception at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Brinkley's keynote address at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 is open to the public and free of charge. The remaining two days cost $180 for all events, but a $25 discount will be given to those who register by Sept. 25.

Those interested also may register for individual days at a cost of $95 per day. Cost includes all lectures, scheduled meals and transportation to Medora.

For more information or to register, call the DSU Office of Extended Learning at 701-483-2166 or toll-free at 866-496-8797. To learn more or to register online, visit www.theodorerooseveltcenter.com/Symposia_2008.asp.