This season's lineup for the University Speaker Series at Southeast Missouri State University features high-profile politicians, a Hall of Fame baseball player, television personalities and other nationally known names.
In a news release issued Wednesday, the university announced political commentator Patrick Buchanan and former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle will open the series Sept. 30 with "A View of Current Events Facing the Nation" at the Show Me Center.
Other well-known guests scheduled to speak at the university throughout the series include former Baltimore Orioles shortstop and third baseman Cal Ripken Jr., journalist Lisa Ling, NPR broadcaster Carl Kasell, the build team from the television show "Mythbusters" and commentator Roland Martin. James Lewis, director and senior fellow at the Technology and Public Policy Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, author Delatorro McNeal II and entrepreneurs J. Kim and Sharon Lee Tucci are also scheduled to speak this year.
Chuck Martin, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the quality of the speakers featured in this year's series is a direct reflection of the quality of the university.
"The caliber of the university is exemplified by the type of people they are able to draw. This speaks to the caliber of Southeast Missouri State University," he said.
While he does not think city hotels will see an influx of overnight guests coming to see the series, he does think people from the surrounding areas will come to see personalities they normally only see on television.
"These are A-team players. I think people will look at the caliber people that are speaking and take advantage of it," he said.
Speakers will appear at various campus venues throughout the 2010-2011 school year. Tickets are required to see Buchanan and Daschle, Ripken, Ling and "Mythbusters." Tickets are free for university students and $10 for the public. They can be purchased starting Sept. 9 at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or the Show Me Center box office.
cbartholomew@semissourian.com
243-8600
Sept. 30: Pat Buchanan and Tom Daschle
Oct. 25: Carl Kasell
Oct. 27: "Mythbusters"
Nov. 15: Delatorro McNeal II
Nov. 17: J. Kim and Sharon Lee Tucci
Jan. 19: Roland Martin
Feb. 23: Lisa Ling
April 13: Cal Ripken Jr.
TBA: James Lewis
Pertinent Addresses:
1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO
1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO
518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO
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