Journalist Ling to encourage people to become more engaged citizens at SEMO event Tuesday

At 29, journalist Lisa Ling gave up a her job hosting daytime talk show "The View" to pursue her true passion.

Ling, who will open Southeast Missouri State University's annual speaker series Tuesday night, has been the host of "National Geographic Explorer" and a special correspondent for "The Oprah Winfrey Show." She has reported from around the world, giving viewers stories on topics like the Colombian drug wars, Uganda's AIDS orphans crisis, gang rape in the Congo, the secret lives of North Koreans, the one-child policy in China and the lives of U.S. prison inmates.

This year, Ling debuted her own series on Oprah Winfrey's new channel, OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network, called "Our America with Lisa Ling," which covers issues in many American subcultures.

Ling has also been appearing nationwide for speaking engagements, where she discusses her career and her view that the role of a journalist is to promote social change.

Ling's presentation at Southeast is titled "Open Heart, Open Mind."

According to Brooks International, the firm that manages Ling's appearances, during the presentation Ling encourages attendees to become more engaged citizens by forming global perspectives and paying attention to social issues.

The 2011-2012 series will also include appearances by actor Michael J. Fox and two-time NFL MVP and former St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner.

All events are free for current university faculty, staff and students with a valid ID. Members of the public can purchase general admission tickets for $10 at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets and the Show Me Center box office. Tickets can be picked up in Room 202 of the University Center, the Center for Student Involvement or the Show Me Center box office.

Show Me Center doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event begins at 7:30 p.m.

eragan@semissourian.com

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