Topics ranging from illegal immigration and the local economy to sports and culture and autumnal splendor will be explored in upcoming Dalton State programs that are open to the public.

The emotionally-charged issue of illegal immigration will be examined from a very human perspective during two consecutive evenings at Dalton State College when the college’s Campus Activities Board presents a free screening of the award-winning film “No Turning Back” on Oct. 1 and a discussion of the film with the director/producer the following evening.

The film is inspired by actual events of director Jesus Nebot’s personal immigration experience and seeks to create understanding of cultural differences with an aim of living peacefully and harmoniously in a diverse society, according to a media release. The free screening will begin at 6 p.m. in Goodroe Auditorium of Dalton State’s Gignilliat Memorial Hall.

On Oct. 2, Nebot will lead a discussion on “Illegal Immigration and Humanitarian Solutions” at 6 p.m. in Goodroe Auditorium. This event is also free.

On Oct. 4, local business leaders will gather for a panel discussion on the local economy in a lunch and learn program hosted by the Dalton State Foundation. Dr. Larry Johnson, interim dean of the Dalton State School of Business, will moderate a discussion among Brian Anderson, president and CEO of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce; David Jolly, president and CEO of J&J Industries; and Bryan Anderson, vice president for finance of Brown Industries and incoming Chamber chairman.

Cost of the program is $10 and includes lunch. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 706-272-4473.

On Thursday evening, Oct. 4, Dalton State’s Fine Arts and Lecture Series welcomes Buzz Bissinger, author of “Friday Night Lights,” a book (and later movie and TV series) about the impact of high school football on small town life; he will speak on sports and culture. The free program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Goodroe Auditorium of Gignilliat Memorial Hall.

Bissinger is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who has authored best-selling books on football, baseball and basketball, as well as other non-fiction topics. He contributes to “Vanity Fair,” “The New York Times,” “Wall Street Journal” and “Philadelphia Enquirer” and is a sports columnist for “The Daily Beast.” A provocative writer, he has written in support of Lance Armstrong, as well as articles highly critical of college football, particularly the Penn State University program.

The week concludes with a walk in the woods with Biology Professor Dr. John Lugthart, who will lead the first of Dalton State’s faculty-led trail hikes on the College Creek Trail on Saturday morning, Oct. 6, at 9 a.m. Dr. Lugthart will point out items of interest in the forested area behind the college, as well as the creek which meanders near the trail and through the campus. The one-mile hike is moderate difficulty; hikers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking boots. Those wishing to hike will meet at the trail’s kiosk on George Rice Drive behind Bandy Gym.