Shannon McNamara, an Eastern student who was sexually assaulted and killed in June, was the inspiration for an educational program called “Girls Fight Back.”

This lecture series will be presented by Erin Weed, an Eastern alumna and sorority sister and close friend to McNamara.

She will give her self-defense presentation at 7 p.m. today in the University Ballroom in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union. All students are welcome.

Weed said she was the president of the Alpha Phi Sorority when McNamara pledged. The lecture is her way of remembering the life of McNamara and helping to prevent such a tragic loss from happening again.

“It’s time for women to take back their sense of security,” Weed said.

Along with the lecture, small group seminars will be offered on self-defense from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday in the Charleston/ Mattoon Room in the Union, said Bob Dudolski, director of Greek Life.

Dudolski said Weed will facilitate the seminars, which will last about two hours each. Students will be able to sign up for the seminars at Wednesday’s presentation.

The seminars will teach techniques on self-defense, and how women can avoid dangerous situations, he said.

“Erin is an expert,” Dudolski said.

Weed said she is certified by the American Women’s Self-Defense Association and received her training at the Sig Arms Academy in New Hampshire.

“I’ve trained with FBI agents, the NYPD, basically the toughest of the tough,” Weed said.

The presentation is sponsored by the Interfraternity, National Pan-Hellenic and Panhellenic Councils, along with Alpha Phi Sorority.

“I’m really looking forward to the presentation,” Weed said.

More information on “Girls Fight Back” and contact information for Weed can be found at www.girlsfightback.com.