Journalist, author Zakaria to speak tonight as part of university series

Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Fareed Zakaria will speak at Southeast Missouri State University this evening as part of the 2015-2016 Speaker Series.

Zakaria hosts CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS," is a contributing editor at "The Atlantic" magazine and is a columnist for The Washington Post.

His analysis of the political and economic trends around the world, and especially those of the Middle East, has earned him widespread renown, but his discussion Monday will focus on the importance of a well-rounded education, grounded in study of science and the humanities.

His address comes on the heels of the release of his latest book, "In Defense of a Liberal Education," which is also the title of his speech. In his book, Zakaria uses his personal history of having been born in India, eventually graduating from Yale and later Harvard, as well as trends he's identified in curriculum to argue the merits of a traditional liberal-arts education.

The book debuted at No. 6 on The New York Times Best Sellers list in April.

Zakaria became the youngest-ever managing editor of Foreign Affairs magazine at the age of 28, and was named by "Esquire" magazine as "the most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation."

His erudite analysis helped his Emmy-nominated "Fareed Zakaria GPS" to become one of CNN's premier international affairs programs, as well as earning himself a spot among Jon Stewart's favorite guests on "The Daily Show."

Audio recording and flash photography are prohibited during Zakaria's presentation.

The presentation will begin at 7:30 Monday evening at the Show Me Center.

Tickets are $10 for the general public, but Southeast students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid Redhawks ID.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573)388-3627

Pertinent address:

1333 N Sprigg St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701