St. Catherine’s conference offers new perspectives on women at midlife,
features national author Colette Dowling and comedian Susan Vass

St. Paul--An all-day conference that takes a decidedly different look at women at midlife will be offered on the St. Paul campus of the College of St. Catherine Saturday, September 16. Speakers, workshops and exhibits will explore the opportunities and potential open to women in mid-life and beyond. The conference, "Redefining Women: The View From Midlife," is co-sponsored by St. Catherine’s, Allina Hospitals and Clinics and USBancorp Piper Jaffray.

Conference keynote speakers are:

--Colette Dowling, a nationally known author whose books include "Red Hot Mamas: Coming Into Our Own At Fifty," "The Cinderella Complex" and a new book to be released in September by Random House, "The Frailty Myth: Women Approaching Physical Equality." For her keynote speech, she will speak on "Taking Off at Midlife,” and will also present a workshop, “Taking the First Step Toward the Rest Of Your Life.”

Dowling’s keynote speech will be at 8:30 a.m. in The O’Shaughnessy on campus. Her workshop is scheduled for 11 a.m.

--Minnesota-based comedian Susan Vass, who now has a national following and is also an author of a book, "Laughing Your Way to Good Health." Vass will end the conference with "Fifty Things I've learned in Fifty Years,” at 3:15 p.m., also in The O’Shaughnessy.

More than 40 workshops throughout the day will explore a range of issues including: negotiating midlife transitions (both professional and personal), addressing questions regarding health and sexuality, living spiritually in a high-tech world, dealing with death and dying, reaching financial goals, starting a business and considering community activism.

Complementing the speakers and workshops, the conference also offers resources, exhibits and activities such as book and art fairs, various art exhibits and a health and wellness center that will offer massage therapy, tests for blood pressure and other health-related tests.

"This conference will give women--especially women 40 and over--resources and insights needed to take a fresh look at where they are at midlife and where they want to be," said Mary Angela Baker, associate director of Continuing Education at St. Catherine's. "We're excited about the wide scope of women's issues to be covered in this conference because our college has been a leader in women's education for nearly 100 years."

Cost of the conference is $99, with an early bird rate of $85 available for those registering by August 15. Overnight accommodations and continuing education credits also are available. For information, contact St. Catherine's continuing education office at 651-690-6819. Or visit the Continuing Education Web site at http://www.stkate.edu/ce