Springfield, Ohio - Beginning this week, Wittenberg University will host Dr. Svetlana Broz, author of the compelling book, "Good People in an Evil Time," about the recent war in Bosnia, for several days of class visits, colloquia and a public lecture and book signing on Monday, Oct. 7. Broz, the granddaughter of Tito, the well known communist leader of former Yugoslavia, will share her thoughts in a lecture titled "Courage, Truth and Reconciliation" which will be held on campus at 7 p.m., in room 105 of the Shouvlin Center located at 737 N. Fountain Ave. A book signing and light refreshments will be held immediately following her lecture.

Born in Belgrade, Broz is a cardiologist who served at the Military Medical Academy from 1981 to 1999, and in 1992, when the war in Bosnia broke out, she volunteered her skills. In early 1993, she began interviewing for the book, "Good People in an Evil Time" which describes human experiences during the Bosnian War. She has also been a freelance journalist, and she is involved in numerous social service organizations in Sarajevo, including the International Multi-religious and Inter-cultural Center and the Association of Independent Intellectuals Circle 99.

Just last year, Broz became the president of The First Children's Embassy in the World and the director of the Sarajevo office of the NGO Gardens of the Righteous Worldwide. She hopes the establishment of the Garden of Righteous, with trees that would each commemorate by name as many as possible of the unsung heros from all the countries of former Yugoslavia, will "be the largest open classroom in ethics for future generations."

Keith Doubt, Wittenberg sociology professor and chair of the department, thinks Broz will share examples about real people that may seem idealistic or naïve to cynical people, but should in fact prove more real and truthful than that perspective or realistic worldview.

"Her experiences will show that good will, friendship and trust existed under conditions when there was no reason for them to exist," Doubt said. "Her work and her book bear witness and give testimony to this truth, and I think her message may be the most important for young adults at a liberal arts institution and beyond, to hear."

The Oct. 7 lecture is free and open to the public. Questions may be directed to the Wittenberg sociology department, (937) 327-7500.