THREE GENERATIONS OF LIMBAUGHS TO GIVE LECTURE

Three generations of the Limbaugh family will discuss "Communication and Jurisprudence: A Three Generational Perspective" when they present the first Joseph H. Low, Jr. Lecture Jan. 29.

The lecture is scheduled for 4 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom at Southeast Missouri State University. Admission is free and open to the public.

The speakers are Rush H. Limbaugh Sr., who, at 104 years of age, is the oldest practicing lawyer in the nation, according to the Guinness Book of World Records; U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, who is the Missouri representative on the Judicial Council of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit; and Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., a judge on the Missouri Supreme Court.

"I've had the greatest respect for all three of these men," said Dr. Joe Low Jr., professor of speech communication and theater.

Low said: "Now that they all have achieved special distinction, it seems to be really timely. Rush Limbaugh Sr. has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and has been a legislator. He has an incredible record of achievement. I just wanted some way to recognize the family. They are all accomplished communicators as well as attorneys."

Low's mother, Mildred I. Low, recently created an endowment in her son's name for the speech communication and theatre department at Southeast.

The upcoming lecture is the first to be funded by the endowment, which will bring distinguished leaders in the discipline of speech communication to speak at Southeast.

The Limbaughs will discuss the role of oral communication in jurisprudence and the law.

Low said persuasive speech has its roots in the legal system. "Being able to express yourself on your feet has always been a part of the court process. There's a rich tradition that combines law and rhetoric," he said. "These are three people who emphasize this."