Southeast speakers

There are plenty of good reasons to live in Southeast Missouri, one of which is the Southeast Missouri State University Speakers Series. The university has a rich history of bringing in top-notch speakers, and the 2010-2011 cavalcade of speakers is nothing short of impressive.

The annual series will kick off with Pat Buchanan and Tom Daschle discussing the national political scene. The two political powerhouses will speak in a joint presentation Sept. 30. Hall of Fame baseball player Cal Ripken Jr. is sure to be a draw when he speaks April 13. Other speakers this year include journalist Lisa Ling, NPR broadcaster Carl Kasell, the build team from the television show "Mythbusters" and commentator Roland Martin. James Lewis of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, author Delatorro McNeal II and entrepreneurs J. Kim and Sharon Lee Tucci are also part of this year's schedule of speakers.

Last year's speakers series included a well-attended debate on health care between former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and presidential candidate Howard Dean.

Tickets are free for university students and $10 for the public.

We are blessed with great opportunities because we are in Southeast Missouri. Take advantage of this great university program.