THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will observe World AIDS Day 2012 with a panel discussion, keynote speaker and candlelight vigil from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29.

Visitors can listen to a panel of HIV-positive speakers from 2:15 to 3:55 p.m. Craig Web, HIV/AIDS program administrator for Ventura County Public Health,will give the keynote presentation from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. Art and performances honoring people who are currently living with HIV/AIDS and those who have died will be presented and a candlelight vigil will be held from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.

Planned Parenthood, Ventura County Public Health, CLU’s Wellness Programs and other organizations will set up information tables.

There are currently 2,000 people known to be living with HIV or AIDS in Ventura County.

World AIDS Day, which officially falls on Dec. 1, was first observed in 1988. It started with a call by health ministers from around the world for social tolerance and greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale.

Events will be held in Rooms 101 and 102. The Swenson Center is located at the corner of Faculty Street and Pioneer Avenue on the Thousand Oaks campus.

CLU’s Center for Equality and Justice, Wellness Programs and Campus Ministry, along with the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County, are sponsoring the free events. For more information, contact Amanda Namba at 805-493-3950 or namba@callutheran.edu.