Award-winning journalist and author Bob Herbert will conclude this season of University Lectures by discussing the political and social issues in present day American society.

Herbert will give his presentation, ‘Wounded Colossus,’ at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Hendricks Chapel.

Esther Gray, senior administrator for academic affairs at Syracuse University, praised this fall’s University Lectures.

‘They have been terrific — varied, informative and large audiences,’ she said in an email.

The topics of the lecture, though elusive, will be the everyday subjects people see across the media that are relevant to everyone, Gray said. The lecture is free and open to the public, so everyone has the opportunity hear Herbert’s new perspective on the complex and controversial issues plaguing America.

Gray said she expects Herbert, who has been a journalist for more than 40 years, to have deep insight into the troubles facing America from unemployment to education. He is known nationally as a well-regarded expert on politics and social trends because of his weekly op-ed column that appeared in The New York Times for almost 18 years, according to a SU News release published Nov. 8.

William Kelleher, an anthropology professor, said he thinks Herbert’s lecture is a great opportunity for all students.

‘Herbert is someone who has reported on cities and written informed op-eds for years, Kelleher said. ‘He related local issues to global developments and made people aware of the marginalized groups of society.’

Gray said Herbert was invited to SU because of his acclaimed columns about various national issues, which promote critical thinking. His reputation as a respected journalist stems from his resume, which includes the ‘Today’ show, ‘NBC Nightly News,’ New York Daily News and professor positions at both Brooklyn College and the Columbia University School of Journalism, according to the release.

Herbert has been recognized for his talents through numerous awards from the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the Shorenstein Center at Harvard University, among others, according to the release.

Herbert was the recipient of the Ridenhour Courage Prize for his ‘fearless articulation of unpopular truths,’ according to the release.

His lifelong involvement in writing, reporting, teaching and learning makes his lecture particularly relevant to students of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the School of Education, Gray said. But Gray said Herbert is constantly observing and watching society, which, along with his experiences, makes this lecture important for the entire student body.

‘I would definitely be interested in this lecture,’ said Ediva Zanker, a freshman newspaper and online journalism major. ‘Hearing someone who is so experienced and successful is always worth it.’

jbundy@syr.edu

Published on November 14, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Jen: jbundy@syr.edu