Another exciting speaker lineup

It's always a thrill when Southeast Missouri State University releases the lineup for its speaker series.

Every year, the university comes out with an impressive list of people to come and speak here in Cape Girardeau.

This year is no exception.

On the list this year are:

* SEPT. 10: Richard Picciotto, the highest-ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center collapse

* SEPT. 21: Anderson Cooper, CNN news personality

* OCT. 28: Mara Liasson, national political correspondent who can be heard on NPR's "All Things Considered" and as a regular contributor to Fox News Channel

* JAN. 21 (MLK Celebration Dinner): Soledad O'Brien, nationally known journalist, media pioneer

* FEB. 25 (Michael Davis Lecture): Hill Harper, humanitarian, actor who has had roles in television series such as "Covert Affairs" and "CSI: NY."

* APRIL 20: Ozzie Smith, retired hall of fame shortstop of the St. Louis Cardinals.

These speakers all will offer interesting perspectives. We encourage you to mark your calendars and plan to attend one or more of the talks. We look forward to hearing what each speaker has to say.