The University of Central Arkansas’s Log Cabin Democrat Lecture Series opens the 2011-2012 season Monday, Sept. 19, with best-selling novelist, TV-host and voice to the voiceless, Erin Brockovich.

Brockovich will speak at the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. on the UCA campus.

Brockovich is regarded as a modern-day “David” who loves a good brawl with today’s “Goliaths”. She is known for her investigation uncovering Pacific Gas & Electric’s poisoning of the small town of Hinkley’s water for more than 30 years. In 1996, as a result of the largest direct action lawsuit of its kind, spearheaded by Brockovich and Ed Masry, the utility giant was forced to pay out the largest toxic tort injury settlement in US history: $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley residents. The story was made famous by the feature film starring Julia Roberts.

“If you enjoyed the movie, I think you will really be impressed by the real thing,” said Jerry Biebesheimer, director of UCA Public Appearances.

Brockovich’s first TV project was ABC’s 2001 special Challenge America With Erin Brockovich, where she helped motivate and organize the rebuilding of a dilapidated park in downtown Manhattan. Then, for three seasons, Brockovich hosted the Lifetime series, Final Justice With Erin Brockovich. She followed this with her New York Times business bestseller, Take It From Me. Life’s A Struggle, But You Can Win.

As president of Brockovich Research & Consulting, she is involved in numerous environmental projects worldwide. Brockovich is one of the most requested speakers on the international lecture circuit and travels the world for personal appearances.

Tickets, available at the UCA Ticket Central Box Office, are $10 for adults, $5 for students and children, $5 for UCA faculty and staff, and free for UCA students with a current student I.D. (limit of two tickets). For tickets, call (501) 450-3265 or toll free from anywhere in Arkansas at 1-866-810-0012 or visit www.uca.edu/tickets.

For more information, contact Biebesheimer at (501) 450-3682 or jerryb@uca.edu.