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Judge Judy Smart, savvy and opinionated, the irrepressible Judge Judy Sheindlin holds court as presiding judge over real-life cases on the syndicated reality courtroom show, "Judge Judy." Having made a name for herself as a tough but fair judge in New York's Family Court, Judge Judy retired from the bench in 1996 and segued to television to host the successful series. Judge Judy brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the only half-hour series currently on the air that takes viewers inside an actual courtroom where justice is dispensed at lightning speed.
Coach Carter Coach Carter is a coach, author, educator and inspiration for the movie Coach Carter, featuring Samuel L. Jackson. The movie recounts Carter’s decision to literally lock his undefeated, state play-off bound basketball team out of the gym and force them to hit the books. Coach Carter is an advocate for Richmond's youth and is active in his community. He is diligent in providing them with opportunities to build meaningful relationships with their peers and caring adults, and recognizes the advantages inherent in a sound sports program. In October, 2000 he announced his plans to travel from Richmond High School to the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Using only a kick scooter, Carter traveled for 3 days to Sacramento hoping to draw awareness to the deteriorating state of our schools and the need for students, parents, teachers, and school board officials to commit to making a difference. His efforts proved successful, and subsequently Richmond High received building enhancements and computers from the Office of the Secretary of Education. Under the direction and guidance of Coach Carter, in December of 2000, 11 students from Australia arrived in the U.S. to promote peace and to learn first hand what it takes to be an American high school basketball player. Coach Carter found a way to bring something positive to the lives of Richmond High students, where heroes and positive role models are few and far between. Using basketball as the common bond, the intention of the visit was to offer these students an opportunity to meet each other, gain awareness about each others' culture and communities, and to learn hands-on about what it takes to be a top-notch American athletic. Carter feels that exchanges such as these are needed to promote a more just and peaceful place for us all to live in.
Burton Gerber and John Brennan Burton Gerber, former director of the European and the Soviet & East European divisions of the Directorate of Operations at the CIA, and John Brennan, former head and organizational architect of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and of its predecessor organization the Terrorist Threat Integration Center (TTIC)Gerber worked primarily in operations related to the former Soviet Union and the former Warsaw Pact countries. He served overseas as the CIA chief of station in three separate assignments. In Washington, he directed the agency's operational programs in the former Soviet Union and Europe for eight years.
Judge Alex Former police officer, attorney and Florida Circuit Court Judge Alex E. Ferrer hosts "Judge Alex," the new court room strip from Twentieth Television that will make its launch in first-run national syndication on September 12, 2005. The first new court show in four years, the half-hour strip features Judge Alex, the only television judge with extensive police, legal and judicial experience, presiding over a wide array of cases, resolving complicated issues with his straight forward approach and cogent rulings. Most recently, Judge Alex served as the Associate Administrative Judge of the Criminal Division of Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which services Miami-Dade County, the largest trial court in the state and fourth largest in the United States. Born in Havana, Cuba, Judge Alex and his family escaped from Fidel Castro’s Communist regime to America when he was one year old. Growing up in Miami with a passionate interest in law enforcement, at 19 he joined the Coral Gables Police Department, making him one of the youngest officers in the state. While on the police force, he served as a patrolman, detective and in an undercover capacity. He was also trained to be on the department’s SWAT force. Intent on building a career in the legal profession, Judge Alex performed his duties as a police officer while attending both college and law school.
Judge Marilyn Milian Judge Milian is probably the most popular judge on television. In her courtroom justice is fast, fair, and often fierce. She provides a compassionate voice for victims while verbally beating the bad guys. With humor, compassion, and a temper that can make grown men tremble, there is no doubt that Judge Milian owns the courtroom. I've been to two tapings and can tell you the show is run like a regular courtroom. You hear Curt Chaplin speaking as each litigant enters. Douglas swears them in and then asks the audience to rise and Judge Milian enters. The cases begin, and if it weren't for the cameras you would think you were in a regular courtroom. It's case after case until lunch break. Before going to lunch, the judge comes out and greets the audience, answering questions and posing for photos with fans. This is repeated after the last case of the day.
Ari and Jeremy Ari & Jeremy, commander and soldier in the Israeli Army reserves, have protected every border of The Land of Israel from Lebanon to Gaza. As religious Zionist Jews, they merge their comprehensive understanding of the Bible and Jewish history with their experiences in the battlefield and the forefront of Israeli activism. Ari and Jeremy are coming to share the truth about the situation in Israel and will be discussing a broad array of topics including the cease fire between Israel and the Hezbollah, the Iranian Nuclear build up, and the spiritual roots of the conflict in the Middle East. Open to discussing any issues from the political, religious, and philosophical realms, Ari & Jeremy are coming to infuse clarity and understanding into a complex and volatile situation that will inevitably have monumental effects on the entire world. Commander and Soldier in the Israel Defense Force reserves. Hosts of "A Light Unto the Nations", the #1 radio show on Israel National Radio. Columnists for the Jerusalem Post and Arutz Sheva. Founders of Shema Israel - a Jerusalem-based movement dedicated to bringing the Bible back to the Nation of Israel.
Dr. Keith Ablow Keith Ablow is a psychiatrist, writer and television personality who treats men and women across the country, in Europe and in Asia who come from every corner of society—college students, married couples, Fortune 500 executives, the homeless, mental health professionals and high-ranking government officials. In addition to Dr. Ablow’s ongoing work with patients, he has testified as an expert witness on forensic psychiatry in some of America’s most highly-publicized trials. The root of Ablow’s unique ability to "reach" patients and the foundation of his writing is that all of us suffer, that none of us is born evil, and that we must be helped to confront the truth about our lives. Ablow graduated Brown University and the Johns Hopkins Medical School. While a medical student, he worked as a reporter for Newsweek magazine and a freelancer for the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun, as well as a medical editor and producer for Lifetime Medical Television in New York and Los Angeles. He also wrote his first book, a guide to gaining admission to medical school and preserving one’s humanity during the four grueling years that follow. Following his studies, Ablow entered a psychiatry residency at Tufts/New England Medical Center hospitals (where he is now an assistant professor). He continued to write about psychiatry and social issues for publications such as U.S. News and World Report and USA Today. He also wrote three more books: How to Cope with Depression, To Wrestle with Demons, and Anatomy of a Psychiatric Illness. In 1990, Dr. Ablow’s close friend and fellow psychiatry resident was murdered. This tragedy prompted him to write Without Mercy, a true crime book examining the killer’s life and the use of the insanity defense at his trial. After residency, Ablow served as medical director of the Tri-City Mental Health Centers, one of the country’s oldest networks of community psychiatry clinics. He also was medical director of Heritage Health Systems, a state-wide spectrum of medical, psychiatric and addiction facilities. Today, Ablow is busier than ever. His USA Today bestselling psychiatric thrillers featuring Dr. Frank Clevenger include Denial, Projection, Compulsion, Psychopath, Murder Suicide and The Architect. His true crime book, Inside the Mind of Scott Peterson, hit the New York Times Bestseller list this year. He is a contributing editor to Good Housekeeping magazine, and his columns have appeared there, as well as in The New York Times and Cosmopolitan. He is also a frequent guest on programs including Oprah, Tyra, Good Morning America, Good Day NY, Catherine Crier Live and many others. Dr. Ablow is now at work on a self-help book (Little, Brown, April, 2007) that will make his healing philosophy and techniques available to readers everywhere. His syndicated talk show, Dr. Keith Ablow, produced by Telepictures and LMNO TV, will begin airing across the nation in September.
Kirstie Alley Kirstie Alley's career has encompassed success in top-grossing films and highly acclaimed television, garnering multiple awards. Most recently, she made her return to network television by producing and starring in the hit show, "Veronica's Closet." In the show's first season, Kirstie won a People's Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series as well as nominations for the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Emmy Awards. Kirstie first gained notoriety for her portrayal of bar-owner Rebecca Howe on the long-running television comedy, "Cheers." During her six years on the show, she won the Emmy, Golden Globe and People's Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. She has an overall deal with Warner Bros. that encompasses features and television series. Her screen career includes recent performances in Woody Allen's acclaimed "Deconstructing Harry" and with Tim Allen in the romantic comedy, "For Richer or Poorer." She also stars in "The Mao Game," based on the New York Times bestseller, and reteamed with John Travolta with whom she starred in the "Look Who's Talking" series in the drama, "Common Ground."
Dr. Maya Angelou Dr. Maya Angelou chosen by President Bill Clinton, Dr. Maya Angelou delivered her dedicatory poem "On The Pulse of Morning" at the inaugural ceremony in January 1993. Considered one of our national treasures, and the author of many best-selling books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, her performance/lecture stresses the value of ethnic, economic and religious diversity in all undertakings. A passionate and powerful speaker, Dr. Angelou challenges her audiences to invest their spirits and hearts in the elevation of the human condition. Dr. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman. A poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, Dr. Angelou continues to travel the world making appearances on college campuses, spreading her legendary wisdom. A mesmerizing vision of grace, swaying and stirring when she moves, Dr. Angelou captivates her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception. She has the unique ability to shatter the opaque prisms of race and class between reader and subject throughout her books of poetry and her autobiographies. Dr. Angelou has authored numerous best-selling books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Even The Stars Look Lonesome. In 1981, Dr. Angelou was appointed to a lifetime position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. In January 1993, she became only the second poet in U.S. history to have the honor of writing and reciting original work at the Presidential Inauguration. Dr. Maya Angelou and Hallmark Cards, Inc. have collaborated to make a gift selection that offers inspiration, hope and joy. Now available in select Hallmark stores, the collection features vases, pilows, wind chimes, frames and other charming trinkets. With compassion and candor, Dr. Angelou's works speak to the heart, encouraging us to love life, to perservere through its challenges and to share our gifts with others.
Oscar Arias Arias was elected president of Costa Rica in 1986 and through negotiations drafted the Arias Peace Plan, which called for internal dialogue, cease-fire, freedom of speech, and free elections in El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. This initiative culminated in the signing of the Esquipulas II Accords, or the Procedure to Establish a Firm and Lasting Peace in Central America, by all the Central American Presidents on August 7, 1987. Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. He used the monetary award to establish the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress. Under the auspices of the Foundation, three programs were established: The Center for Human Progress to promote equal opportunities for women and gender equality; the Center for Organized Participation to strengthen the participation and action of civil society in Central America; and the Center for Peace and Reconciliation to work for demilitarization and conflict resolution in the developing world.
Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong became a household name by showing his determination, dedication and strength. The number one ranked cyclist in the world, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Not only did his cycling career seem over, but his doctors game him a 50/50 chance to survive. Armstrong survived and he went on to become the first professional cyclist to win the Tour de France seven times. In the process, he became a leading advocate in the search for a cancer cure and for people living with the disease. The Lance Armstrong Foundation disseminates grants focused on improving the quality of life for cancer survivors and funds research that is not readily fundable from traditional sources. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $9.6 million in research grants. It focuses its funding on cancer survivorship centers and research grants. From the podium, Armstrong delivers lessons of courage from his battle with cancer and his career as a cyclist. He talks about teamwork and what it takes to turn dreams into realities.
John Artis Arrested with Rubin "Hurricane" Carter in 1966, and convicted of a triple murder that he did not commit. At the time of his arrest, Artis was 19 years old, preparing to attend college on a track scholarship and dreaming of making the U.S. Olympic track team. Artis was offered his freedom if he would falsely testify against Carter, but he refused to lie to prosecutors. After spending fifteen years in prison, he was exonerated and now lives in Virginia and works with troubled youth. He is a man who does not know the meaning of the word resentment. Without question, he is one of the most uplifting and motivational speakers you will ever come across.
Nigel Barlow Nigel Barlow is a keynote speaker on creativity, the innovative management of change and customer service. Since the past 18 years he has been focusing on helping major organisations and industries around the world. Nigel was a founding director of the UK consulting wing of the Tom Peters Group, TPG Partners, and has also established his own international customer service consultancy that specialises in helping clients to deliver high and professional levels of service. Nigel a regular contributor to Customer Service Management journal is also the Author of "Batteries Included": Creating Legendary Service. Nigel a passionate, witty, and dynamic presenter is able to speak to business audiences of up to 1000 delegates, Nigel coaches and provokes senior teams to be more creative and adventurous in the goals. His presentations are well-known for their freshness, challenge and humour, Nigel is always ready to take on the after-lunch slot as a challenge that he can keep his session lively, interactive and focused. His talks are researched based, some of the themes he works with are Creative Approaches to Change, Shaping the Future, Organisational Innovation and Customer Service. He has worked with audiences as diverse as Korean managers, German engineers, BBC researchers and producers, road rescue patrolmen, British bankers and many senior and board-level teams. He is able to communicate serious messages in a highly entertaining way. Nigel helps today's managers to understand cultural change and diversity, globalisation, customer service, corporate innovation, brand management etc. His corporate clients would include: Abbey Life, AGA, Argos, Arthur Andersen, Barclays, BBC, BP, British Council, BT, Ericsson, GKN, Glaxo, Granada, The Highways Agency, Mobil, Nestle, Sainsbury's, SKF, Sun Life, Texaco and Whitbread.
John Gray.... BLACK, WHITE & GRAY A psychodrama, presented by John Gray, confronts issues related to stereotyping, bigotry, affirmative action and social "isms". He con-ducts seminars for business, university, government and profes-sional organizations on developing skills and awareness on human relations in a multi-cultural society. The John Gray program goes beyond the black/white and male/female confrontations that tend to block communication.
Ken Blanchard Dr. Blanchard has received worldwide recognition for his phenomenal best-selling book, The One Minute Manager, co-authored with Spencer Johnson. Selling more than seven million copies worldwide, The One Minute Manager has been translated into more than 25 languages and is regarded as one of the most successful business books of all time. In addition, Dr. Blanchard has written several other successful books, including five more within The One Minute Manager Library. He also co-authored The Power of Ethical Management, with Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. In 1992, he released Playing the Great Game of Golf followed by Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service, co-authored with Sheldon Bowles. Dr. Blanchard is chairman of Blanchard Training and Development, Inc., a full-service management training and consulting company which he and his wife Dr. Marjorie Blanchard founded in 1979 in San Diego, California. He is also a visiting lecturer at his alma mater Cornell University, where he is a trustee emeritus of the Board of Trustees. Ken has received a multitude of awards and honors for his contributions in the field of management and leadership. In 1991, the National Speakers Association awarded him its highest honor, the ?Council of Peers Award of Excellence.? In 1992, Dr. Blanchard was inducted into the HRD Hall of Fame by Training Magazine and Lakewood Conferences, and also received the 1992 Golden Gavel Award from Toastmasters International.
Sherry Brantley Inspirational speaker and author of the book Choices: The Power Is Within You,Sherry Brantley is known for her dynamic, energetic seminars and workshops. As she states: "I was homeless, jobless, car-less and hopeless--all at the same time, but thankfully not clueless!" Sherry's belief: "We all have a Spiritual, Personal Power. We have always possessed this power. The power is within us. All of us. Without exception. We can learn to tap into this power on a daily basis, to begin to make positive choices in how our lives should go, resulting in the changes that we want to accomplish. There is a universal law that states: 'What you focus on in life, you expand in your life.' Begin to focus on what you want to expand in your life!" Start To Exercise Personal Power (STEPP) a program founded by Sherry, is designed to not merely assist people of various backgrounds to realize their potential, goals and purpose in life, but also assist them Sherry Brantley is known for her dynamic, energetic seminars and workshops.
Carlos Carsolio Both a professional motivational and testimonial speaker, Carlos Carsolio has dedicated himself since 1985 to share, mainly with corporate audiences, his experiences on the highest mountains of the planet. He is a world record mountain climber, who has become a leader in personnel training based on his powerful team building skills. The fourth and youngest person to climb the world's 14 tallest peaks is now a corporate trainer who teaches a philosophy of full team work, assertive communication, self confidence and trust, basic concepts that apply to all walks of life.
Kathleen Cleaver Kathleen Cleaver, a major voice in the Black liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s, continues today, to speak out against racism, sexism and economic inequality. In 1966, Cleaver fist became active in the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). From 1967 to 1971, she was the Communications Secretary of the Black Panther Party and the first woman member of its Central Committee. After sharing years of exile with her former husband Eldridge Cleaver, she returned to the United States in late 1975. Since graduating from Yale Law School in 1987, Cleaver has combined legal work, teaching and activism. She has taught at numerous universities including Emory, Yale and Sara Lawrence. She served on the Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Courts and became a Board Member of the Atlanta-based Southern Center for Human Rights. She has been active in the campaigns to free death row prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal and former Panther Geronimo Pratt (released in 1997). Her writings and essays have appeared in numerous magazines, books and newspapers and her memoir, Memories of Love and War, is forthcoming from Random House.
Max Cleland Former U.S. Senator Max Cleland (D-GA) is a member of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). President George Bush nominated Cleland on Nov. 21, 2003. He was subsequently confirmed by the Senate and sworn in on Dec. 15, 2003 for a term expiring January 20, 2007. Cleland has a long and distinguished career in public service at the state and national levels in both the executive and legislative branches of government. In 2002, Cleland was appointed to the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States to report findings and recommendations to prevent future terrorist attacks. More recently he has served as a Distinguished Adjunct Professor to American Universitys (AU) Washington Semester Program, and as a Fellow in AU’s Center for Congressional & Presidential Studies. Cleland successfully ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Sam Nunn in 1995. He served on four Senate Committees: Armed Services; Commerce, Science and Transportation; Governmental Affairs; and Small Business. Previously, Cleland had the distinction of serving as the youngest Secretary of State in Georgia’s history, and the youngest member of the Georgia State Senate. Under President Jimmy Carter, Cleland became the youngest head of the U.S. Veterans Administration. In that capacity, he instituted the revolutionary Vets Center program that, for the first time, offered psychological counseling to combat veterans to heal the emotional wounds of war. Cleland volunteered for duty in Vietnam and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1968. He was seriously wounded in a grenade explosion that year, costing him both legs and his right arm. He was awarded the Bronze Star and a Silver Star for gallantry in action. Cleland holds a master’s degree in American History from Emory University. He majored in history at Stetson University. Both institutions subsequently awarded him honorary doctorate degrees. Cleland grew up in Lithonia, GA.
David Coleman Real-life date coach David Coleman sees plenty of parallels between Will Smith's character in the new movie Hitch and his own career helping others find love. Coleman says he has called himself The Dating Doctor since 1985. ... Meet a real-life 'Hitch' is known nationwide as The Dating Doctor and "America's Real-Life Hitch." He has been named the National Speaker of the Year on 10 separate occasions - 7 times by Campus Activities Magazine and 3 times by The National Association for Campus Activities. He recently won again for 2006! He is a highly sought after speaker, entertainer, and retreat facilitator. David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology ('83) and his Master of Arts Degree in College Student Personnel Administration ('85) from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. His second book, Date Smart! How to Stop Revolving and Start Evolving in Relationships has remained a top seller. His third and fourth books, Let Your Leadership Speak and Leadership's Greatest Hits (both co-authored), offer experiences, strategies and ideas to expand your leadership potential. His most recent work, Making Relationships Matter, is an honest look at how to live a life with no regrets while getting the most from every day and every relationship in a post 9/11 world. David has been featured in such fine publications as Us Magazine, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, Celebrity Living, The Wall Street Journal, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Washington Post and The New York Times. David has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, WGN, Fox and CNN as well as hundreds of radio and television stations nationwide. He is a regular guest on Star 105.7 in Grand Rapids, Star 94 in Atlanta, MIX 105.1 in Orlando, KLITE in Bakersfield and The Big One, 700 WLW, in Cincinnati and has worked closely with MSN to promote their Streets and Trips software release and their Shopping.MSN.com website. From his appearances on radio, TV, live and in print, David has impacted more than 10,000,000 people worldwide. Audience members at more than 2,500 college campuses, conferences, single's organizations, churches, corporations and marriage encounter groups have experienced his energetic and entertaining programs.
Matthew Cossolotto Founder and president, Matthew Cossolotto, has enjoyed a multifaceted communications career that includes eight years as a congressional aide followed by senior-level speechwriting and executive communications positions at GTE, Pepsi-Cola International and MCI, where he served as speechwriter to Chairman and CEO William G. McGowan. Over the years, Matthew has developed speeches and/or coached speakers for a variety of prestigious venues, including the Economic Club of Detroit, the National Press Club, Houston Forum, Cleveland City Club, SuperComm, the Microsoft CEO Summit, and the UN General Assembly. The author of HabitForce! How to Kick the Habits of F.A.I.L.U.R.E. and Adopt the Habits of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Matthew conducts customized “Harness Your HabitForce!” workshops and presentations for a variety of audiences, including corporations, associations, students and at-risk youth, professional and educational organizations, and community groups. His HabitForce!-based, personal change and empowerment programs focus on helping people and organizations recognize, reject and replace the patterns of thought and behavior that hold them back. He is a principal faculty member for the Transformative Leadership Summits sponsored by the Liminal Group. In addition to his HabitForce! and Podium Power presentation skills workshops, Matthew speaks to audiences about the Shakespeare authorship mystery and about ways to reform our democracy. He is currently working on several writing projects, including a new book entitled: "There’s No Such Thing As Public Speaking".
Mick Cronin Mick Cronin was named the 26th head men's basketball coach in University of Cincinnati history in March 2006. The appointment reunites the Cincinnati native with his alma mater and the school at which he launched his coaching career. The 34-year old Cronin is widely-recognized in the college basketball circles as one of the nation's top up-and-coming coaches. He compiled a 69-23 record during his three seasons as head coach at Murray State, directing the Racers to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. Cronin, who built a reputation for his ability to recruit top talent during his seven seasons as an assistant coach, wasted little time establishing his credentials as a head coach upon taking over the Murray State program in 2003. Cronin directed the Racers to a 28-6 record, the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. His 28 wins are the fifth-most for a first-year head coach in NCAA history. Following a 17-11 campaign in 2004-05, Cronin piloted the Racers to a 24-6 ledger this past season. Murray State claimed the Ohio Valley Conference regular season title with a 17-3 record, and then won the OVC Tournament. Cronin was voted league Coach of the Year honors. Cronin launched his coaching career on the college level in 1997-98 at Cincinnati when he was promoted from video coordinator to assistant coach. He made an immediate impact as a recruiter, playing a key role in signing five Bearcats who went on to be NBA draft picks. Cronin helped UC attract Top 5-rated recruiting classes in two of his last three seasons and another that was ranked in the Top 10. His work as a coach helped UC compile a 108-26 record, capture five C-USA regular season titles and a pair of tournament crowns. Cronin left UC to become associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Louisville in 2001-02. In his very first year, he helped attract a Top 10 recruiting class. One of his key signees, Francisco Garcia, was the C-USA Freshman of the Year in 2003 and eventually was drafted by Sacramento in the NBA. Mick Cronin speaks nationally to audiences about teamwork, leadership and communication.
Chuck D As leader and co-founder of legendary rap group Public Enemy, Chuck D redefined rap music and hip hop culture with the release of PE's explosive debut album, Yo Bum Rush The Show, in 1987. His messages addressed weighty issues about race, rage and inequality with a jolting combination of intelligence and eloquence never seen before. Chuck D and Public Enemy were celebrated in the May 2004 issue of Rolling Stone magazine as one of the "fifty most important performers in rock & roll history." Chuck D is also a national spokesperson for Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, and the National Alliance for African American Athletes. He has appeared in numerous public service announcements for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. As he continues to work on commentary, music, and writing on rap, race, and reality, it is clear that there are few who have transcended music and have made an impact as loud of Chuck D.
Oscar De La Hoya The only fighter to win eleven world titles in six different weight classes, and as CEO of Golden Boy Promotions the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional firm, Oscar de la Hoya is one of the most charismatic and beloved figures in the history of the sport. From the podium he recounts the thrilling story of his journey from a scrawny, bullied child in East Los Angeles to Olympic gold medal-winner, six-time world champion, revolutionary fight promoter and businessman. He talks about his Foundation and his biggest battle, to knockout Cancer. Oscar uses his experiences to motivate others to aim high and achieve their dreams too—no matter what obstacles seem to stand in their way. Boxing’s Golden Boy streaked to fame with his gold medal victory in the 1992 Olympics, a medal he had promised his mother he would win as she lay dying of cancer. His electrifying success inside the ring, as well as his personal character and charisma, have made him a worshiped figure in the Hispanic community and one of the most respected fighters in the world. While continuing his quest as a fighter, Oscar is revolutionizing the business side of the sport as CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. Founded in 1994 and already one of the nation’s leading fight promotion firms, but Oscar's business interests extend well beyond Boxing, he has applied his golden touch to land development, boxing promotion and newspaper publishing. From the Podium, he shares the lessons he's learned as a boxer, businessman and father, and the message that any dream can be achieved through hard work, vision and a desire to be a world champion, whether in business, life or philanthropy. SPEECH TOPICS: § From East L.A. to World Champ § Turning Dreams Into Reality § Battling Cancer: Oscar’s Biggest Fight
Lynn Donohue A high school dropout at the age of 15, Donohue was living out of her car and earning minimum wage as a bartender when she learned of a new training program for women interested in the construction trades. Seizing the opportunity to steer her life in a new direction, she began taking classes towards becoming a professional mason. After surviving years of discrimination in a male-dominated field, she won the Massachusetts state masonry competition and later opened her own construction company. Realizing she needed a formal business education to advance her company, Donohue returned to school and is in the midst of finishing her MBA degree. Donohue is the author of a critically acclaimed book, Brick by Brick: A Woman's Journey, which recounts her journey from bartender to bricklayer to sole owner of her own construction company, all before her 27th birthday.
Phoebe Eng Activist and attorney Phoebe Eng is author of Warrior Lessons, a memoir-based account of race, leadership and empowerment in a rapidly changing world," said Karen Shih, advisor to students of Asian descent. "She has worked with a broad range of institutions, helping them understand the complexities and challenges of providing access and opportunity in a multicultural society." Former publisher of A Magazine, the national magazine for Asian-Americans, Eng attended the recent U.N. World Conference Against Racism in South Africa. Her views have been heard on NPR, PBS and in The New York Times and other national news forums
Sgt. Matt Eversmann Sgt. Matt Eversmann the hero of "Black Hawk Down" Played by Josh Hartnett in the 2002 Blockbuster Movie.
Juliet Funt Juliet Funt, daughter of Candid Camera's Allen Funt helps businesses nurture the human capital that is the fuel behind every organizational success. She has been featured in the L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Shape, and Professional Speaker Magazine. She is co-author of "The Communication Path" and "The Wellness Path," in the Path Training Series. In addition to her first career as an improvisational comedienne, Ms. Funt has had a varied business resume which includes managing in a large live events company, Human Relations training for the Los Angeles Police Department and even liaison work in a Palestinian/Israeli peace project.
Charles Garcia Charles Patrick Garcia is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a highly decorated military officer, a Columbia Law School graduate and a former White House Fellow. In 1997, at the age of thirty-six, he founded Sterling Financial Group of Companies with three people, which has grown to more than sixty offices in seven countries. The company was named the number one fastest growing Hispanic-owned business in the country by Hispanic Business Magazine, and number eight on the Inc 500 list of fastest growing privately-held companies in the nation. For his success across many fields, Garcia was named one of the nation's 100 most influential Hispanics and his leadership abilities have earned him a role in the administration of three U.S. Presidents, a Cabinet Secretary, a Governor and a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander. Garcia's commentary has been sought by CROSSFIRE, FOX News, CNN, CBS, Univision, Telemundo, CNN en Español and The Cristina Show. During the War in Iraq, Garcia served as Telemundo's military analyst providing daily live-behind-the-desk commentary.
Marcia Ann Gillespie Marcia Ann Gillespie has been a trailblazer in the publishing world for more than two decades. As former Editor in Chief of Essence, she transformed the then-fledgling publication into one of the fastest-growing women's magazines in the United States. Time magazine named her "One of the Fifty Faces for America's Future." She was voted the March of Dimes' "Outstanding Woman in Publishing" for her efforts in inspiring all humankind to combat hatred and violence. She has written extensively on issues of gender and race. Under Gillespie's leadership, Ms. magazine has attracted increasing numbers of younger women to the magazine's fold. Marcia Ann Gillespie is a trailblazer in the magazine industry, a leader in the women's movement, a champion of gender of racial justice. A provocative writer and thinker, hers has been a consistent eloquent voice affirming the human potential for good, challenging inequality, pushing herself and others to hope, dare and strive for a better world. She has been a driving force behind two of this nation's most important women's magazines, as the editor in chief of Essence from 1971-1980 and most recently as the editor in chief of Ms. from 1993-2001. Named the Editor in Chief of Essence at the age of 26, Gillespie quickly proved her mettle by rapidly transforming the then fledgling publication into one of the fastest growing women's magazines in the United States. During her tenure (1971-1980), Essence became a trusted source of inspiration, information and affirmation for millions of African American women and won a National Magazine Award the industry's most prestigious honor. A vice-president of Essence Communications, Inc. and a member of the board of directors, Gillespie was named "One of the Fifty Faces for America's Future" by Time magazine. Gillespie's association with Ms. magazine dates back to 1980 when she became a contributing editor. She then went on to become a featured columnist and the executive editor of Ms. before being named the top editor in 1993. At Ms. her mission was "moving the discussion of feminism forward" and making the magazine a "welcome table" for a range of voices and views. Under her leadership the magazine reached an ever more diverse readership, attracting increasing numbers of younger women to the fold. In addition to her role as editor in chief, Gillespie was named the President of Liberty Media for Women, a limited liability corporation comprised of women investors that purchased the magazine in November 1998 and successfully relaunched the publication in March 1999. To further secure the publication's future, Gillespie negotiated the magazine's transfer to the Feminist Majority Foundation in December 2000 and officially turned the reins over in February 2001. Gillespie's extensive knowledge about the national and international women's movements, issues of racial and gender justice, the media and business, and her keen interest in history and observations about current events and the changes and challenges confronting the American society, and her deep faith in our ability to rise informs her life and her work. A rousing, eloquent and in-demand public speaker, who brings both wit and wisdom to her talks, Gillespie regularly appears on university and college campuses and as a keynoter at conferences and events in the United States and abroad. In addition to her numerous public appearances, she maintains a thriving consultancy advising corporate and other clients on issues ranging from diversity to communications. An award winning writer, Gillespie has also received a number of awards from professional and civic organizations including the Matrix award from New York Women in Communication, the Mary MacLeod Bethune award from the National Council of Negro Women. Awarded a Doctor of Letters by her alma mater, Lake Forest University, she is also a recipient of the Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism, from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Gillespie also serves as a member of the board of directors of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, the Violence Policy Center and the Global Fund for Women.
Alexander Haig One of the Most Decorated Military and Civilian Figures of Our Time Upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1947, Alexander M. Haig was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army, serving in Japan with the 1st Cavalry Division and on the staff of General Douglas MacArthur, in the Korean War with the X Corps and as aide to Lieutenant General Edward M. (Ned) Almond, and in Europe. He served in the Pentagon from 1962-1965 and in Vietnam in 1966-1967 as battalion and brigade commander, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism. Among his many other military decorations are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple heart, and decorations from Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, Morocco, France, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Portugal. In January 1969, he became the Senior Military Advisor to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, Dr. Henry Kissinger, and later became Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. In 1972, he was promoted to full General. During his four years in the White House, he served as the personal emissary of the President to negotiate the Vietnam ceasefire and the return of U.S. prisoners of war. He also coordinated President Nixon’s historic visit to China. General Haig was serving as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army when President Nixon named him White House Chief of Staff, at which point he retired after twenty-six years in the Army. In October 1974 at his request, President Ford recalled him to active duty as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. European. Two months later he was appointed Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, responsible for the integrated military forces of NATO. In 1979, he resigned his post and retired from the Army. He was elected president and COO of United Technologies Corporation, also serving on its board of directors. In January 1981, he was sworn in as the 59th U.S. Secretary of State. General Haig is currently chairman of his own advisory firm, Worldwide Associates, Inc., assisting corporations around the world in providing strategic advice on global, political, economic, commercial and security matters. He is host of the weekly television program, “World Business Review,” and is a member of the board of directors of Metro-Goldwyn Mayer, Inc, MGM Mirage, inc., Indevus Pharmaceuticals, inc., and the Chairman of the Board of DOR BioPharma, Inc. He was a founding Director of America Online, Inc. General Haig is the author of two books: Caveat: Realism, Reagan and Foreign Policy (1984), and his autobiography, Inner Circles: How America Changed the World – A Memoir (1992).
John Hennessy The founder of MIPS Computer Systems Inc., is currently serving as the 10th President of Stanford University. He earned his Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Villanova University, and his Master's degree and Ph.D. in computer science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Hennessy became a Stanford faculty member in 1977. In 1984, he used his sabbatical year to found MIPS Computer Systems Inc. to commercialize his research in RISC processors. In 1987, he became the Willard and Inez Kerr Bell Endowed Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Hennessy served as director of Stanford's Computer System Laboratory (1989-1993), a research center run by Stanford's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science departments. He was chair of the Department of Computer Science (1994-1996) and Dean of the School of Engineering (1996-1999). Hennessy and David A. Patterson have written two well-known books about computer architecture, Computer Organization and Design: the Hardware/Software Interface (2 editions; latest is ISBN 1558604286) and Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach (3 editions, latest is ISBN 1558603298). They have been widely used as textbooks for graduate and undergraduate courses since 1990.
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of eleven books."Arianna Huffington is also co-host of "Left, Right & Center," public radio's popular political roundtable program. In May 2005, Arianna Huffington launched The Huffington Post, a news and blog site that has quickly become one of the most widely-read, linked to, and frequently-cited media brands on the Internet. In 2006, Arianna Huffington was named to the Time 100, Time Magazine's list of the world’s 100 most influential people. Originally from Greece, she moved to England when she was 16 and graduated from Cambridge University with an M.A. in economics. At 21, she became president of the famed debating society, the Cambridge Union.
Dog The Bounty Hunter Considered the greatest bounty hunter in the world, Duane "Dog" Chapman has made more than 6,000 captures in his 27-year career. This highly intense, charismatic ex-con and born-again Christian is the king of the comebacks. This modern-day hero once served time in a Texas prison. "I am what rehabilitation stands for," Dog says. Now on the right side of the law, Dog is tireless in his efforts to bring in the bad guys and encourage them to turn their lives around. Over the years, the list of fugitives Dog claims to have either helped catch or single-handedly brought to justice reads like a who's who of America's most wanted, including high-profile rapist and Max Factor heir, Andrew Luster. Dog credits much of his success to his knack for getting the most out of his informants. "Seventy percent of all my captures happen because some good ol' American has turned them in by giving me information," he says. Raised in Denver, Dog is the oldest of four children born to Wesley and Barbara Chapman. His dad was a welder in the U.S. Navy, while his mother was a minister with the First Assembly of God who often traveled to Native American reservations to teach the gospel. Dog currently resides in Hawaii with his wife and business partner, Beth, and three of his children
Jesse Jackson Reverend Jesse Jackson is one of America's foremost political figures. For more than thirty years he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, economic and social justice. A two-time presidential candidate and a leader in the fight against South African apartheid, he has been on the Gallup List of "Ten Most Respected Americans" for the past ten years. Reverend Jesse Jackson serves as president of the National Rainbow Coalition and is one of America's foremost political figures. Over the past three decades he has played a major role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality and economic and social justice. Rev. Jackson has been called the "conscience of the nation" and "the great unifier," challenging America to establish just and humane priorities and bringing people together on common ground across lines of race, class, gender and belief. Years before they were common positions, Rev. Jackson was advocating national health care, a war on drugs and peace negotiations with the Soviet Union and the Middle East. His strong stand against apartheid in South Africa in 1984 made it a forefront national issue. Rev. Jackson's two presidential campaigns broke new ground in U.S. politics. His 1984 campaign won 3.5 million votes, registered over a million new voters and helped the Democratic Party regain control of the Senate in 1986. His 1988 candidacy won seven million votes and registered two million new voters. His clear progressive agenda and his ability to build an unprecedented coalition inspired millions to join the political process. As a highly respected world leader, Rev. Jackson has acted many times as an international diplomat in sensitive situations. In 1984, he secured the release of captured Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman from Syria, as well as the release of 48 Cuban and Cuban-American prisoners in 1987. He was the first American to bring hostages out of Kuwait and Iraq in 1990. Rev. Jackson was elected a U.S. Senator from Washington, D.C. in 1990, a position also known as "Statehood Shadow Senator." The office was created to advocate for statehood for Washington, D.C. A hallmark of Rev. Jackson's work has been his commitment to the youth. He has visited thousands of high schools, colleges and universities, encouraging excellence and challenging students to stay in school and away from drugs. He has also been a major force in the American labor movement, working with unions to organize workers, mediating labor disputes, walking picket lines and speaking at labor rallies. He has visited prisons, bringing comfort to the abandoned and discouraging recidivism. Rev. Jackson has received numerous honors for his work in human rights and social justice. In 1991, the U.S. Post Office placed his likeness on a pictorial postal cancellation, only the second living person to receive such an honor. He has been on the Gallup List of Ten Men Most Respected by Americans for 10 years. He has also received the prestigious NAACP Springarn Award and been awarded over 40 honorary degrees.
Gloria Jackson Gloria Jackson is a powerful, compelling and engaging speaker. She speaks eloquently on the topics of faith, freedom, family, character development, education and economic empowerment. At the same time she sets out, with great clarity the extraordinarily inspiring and uplifting truths of the life, legacy and liberating philosophy of her great grandfather, Booker T. Washington . Enjoy listening as Gloria weaves the story of how her great grandfather, through a life of discipline and sheer determination, rose "Up From Slavery" to become one of America's greatest heroes and leaders. Relive how Booker T. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute and the National Negro Business League and encouraged Blacks toward economic independence. In 1905, Tuskegee turned out more self-made millionaires than Yale, Harvard, and Princeton universities combined. Learn of his commitment to reach back to those in need in Africa, the very continent that had sold his ancestors into slavery, and to other blacks throughout the world. Be reminded of how a young Black visionary with a call upon his life, shaped Tuskegee to become a vehicle of inspiration and encouragement and the greatest single influence toward encouraging Black Americans to begin the difficult walk toward a prosperous future. Gloria is the founder and president of the Booker T. Washington Inspirational Speakers' Network. She is an attorney and a real estate broker and she currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Willie Jolley Willie Jolley is “America’s Premier Celebrity Speaker – Singer – Author… Inspiring Millions with Music & Motivation!” He is an award winning speaker, a world-class singer, and a best selling author and media personality all in one person! He specializes in Accelerating Success and Growing Businesses by Growing People, Performance and Profits. Willie Jolley was recently inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, a lifetime award for speaking excellence and professionalism. He joined luminaries like Ronald Reagan, Zig Ziglar, Harvey McKay and Les Brown. And in 1999, Willie Jolley was named “One of the Outstanding Five Speakers in the World” by Toastmasters International. Less than 50 speakers worldwide have been bestowed that honor! Former winners include Christopher Reeve, Margaret Thatcher and Colin Powell! In 2003, the McDonald’s Corporation named him “A Black History Maker of Today!” Willie Jolley is a Five Time Washington Area Music Association (WAMMIE) Award Winning singer for “Best Jazz Singer” and “Best Entertainer”. His new ‘Jolley’ music is now the number one downloaded Motivational Music on the Apple I- Tunes site! Willie Jolley is the author of two international best selling books, “It Only Takes A Minute To Change Your Life!” and “A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback.” His books have been translated into eight languages. As a co-author of “Go M.A.D. (Go Make A Difference),” a best selling book for youth - teaching life skills and encouraging academic excellence - his message is spreading around the world! And Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul - II features Willie Jolley along with Joyce Meyers, Tony Campolo and Naomi Rhode! As host of the syndicated radio show “The Willie Jolley Motivational Minute,” Willie Jolley is heard daily in over 50 markets, on the ABC Rejoice Radio Network, The Radio One Praise Network; and on WHUR-FM in Washington, DC. Plus, he writes a column that is syndicated by the National News Press Association and read by over 6 million readers via the internet with the Electronic Urban Report. He’s seen on television with his PBS ground breaking special for teens “Dare 2 Dream, Dare 2 Win” and as a spokesperson for Mercedes Benz and the District of Columbia Government Community Outreach Programs. Willie Jolley is a graduate of The American University and Wesley Theological Seminary. His mission in life is to help people maximize their God given talents and abilities so they can Do More, Be More and Achieve More!
John Kasich John Kasich is a former U.S. Republican Representative turned television show host for FOX News Channel. He hosts Heartland with John Kasich, and also guest hosts The O'Reilly Factor, filling in for Bill O'Reilly when necessary. In 1993, he became the Ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee where he authored an alternative to President Clinton's deficit reduction plan that relied on spending reductions rather than tax increases. Later that year, the Penny-Kasich Plan failed by only six votes to cut federal spending by an additional $90 billion on top of the deficit reduction forecasted by President Clinton. After the 1994 Republicans became the majority party in Congress, Kasich became Chairman of the House Budget Committee working towards the balanced budget, and served as chair of the congressional committee on welfare reform. During the 1996 presidential campaign, Republican nominee Bob Dole seriously considered Kasich as a vice presidential running mate, but instead selected Jack Kemp, a former congressman and HUD Secretary. It is possible Kasich was dropped in response to rumors instigated by Kasich's Democratic opponent in his House race, Cynthia Ruccia, regarding Kasich's sexuality. Ruccia raised the question of the propriety of bachelor Kasich sharing a Washington townhouse with his male chief-of-staff. Kasich nonetheless won the 1996 election, and subsequently married in March of 1997. Kasich's book, Courage is Contagious, was a New York Times bestseller. Kasich is of Croatian descent. Kasich's new book Stand for Something: The Battle for America's Soul was released on May 10, 2006.
Barbara Kellerman Barbara Kellerman is the James MacGregor Burns Lecturer in Public Leadership at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government. She was the Founding Executive Director of the Kennedy Schools Center for Public Leadership, from 2000 to 2003; and from 2003 to 2006 she served as the Centers Research Director. Kellerman has held professorships at Fordham, Tufts, Fairleigh Dickinson, George Washington, and Uppsala Universities. She also served as Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at Fairleigh Dickinson, and as Director of the Center for the Advanced Study of Leadership at the Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland. Kellerman received her B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, and her M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. (1975, in Political Science) degrees from Yale University. She was awarded a Danforth Fellowship and three Fulbright fellowships. At Uppsala (1996-97), she held the Fulbright Chair in American Studies. Kellerman was cofounder of the International Leadership Association (ILA), and is author and editor of many books including Leadership: Multidisciplinary Perspectives; The Political Presidency: Practice of Leadership; and Reinventing Leadership: Making the Connection Between Politics and Business. She has appeared often on media outlets such as CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, NPR, Reuters and BBC, and has contributed articles and reviews to the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times, and the Harvard Business Review. Her most recent books are Bad Leadership: What It Is, How It Happens, Why It Matters (2004); a co-edited (with Deborah Rhode) volume, Women & Leadership: State of Play and Strategies for Change (2007); and Followership: How Followers are Creating Change and Changing Leaders (2008). Kellerman speaks to audiences around the world, including in recent years in Berlin, London, Moscow, Rome, Sao Paolo, and Shanghai. She holds an Honorary Degree from Ripon College, and is currently ranked by Leadership Excellence as 6th on the list of the 100 best minds on leadership.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a nationally known attorney, environmental activist, university professor and author. He serves as chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper Program; as senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council; and as a clinical professor and supervising attorney at the Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law in New York. He is regarded as a pioneer in the area of municipal and government responsibility for environmental problems. Kennedy's reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of legal actions which include the prosecution of governmental agencies and industrial companies for polluting the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, winning settlements for the Hudson Riverkeeper, arguing cases to expand citizen access to the shoreline, and suing sewage treatment plants to force compliance with the Clean Water Act. Kennedy is credited with leading the fight to protect New York City's water supply. The New York City watershed agreement, which he negotiated of behalf of environmentalists across the state, is regarded as an international model in stakeholder consensus negotiations and sustainable development. On the national front, he was instrumental in helping defeat several anti-environmental bills during the 104th Congress. He has also worked to tackle environmental issues across the Americas and has assisted several indigenous tribes in Latin America and Canada in successfully negotiating treaties protecting traditional homelands. Although Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is known as an activist for environmental protection everywhere, he considers fighting pollution in the Hudson River a priority. In an interview with the Natural Resources Defense Council, Kennedy avowed that he would continue to fight pollution in the Hudson River, despite the many governmental barriers that have been erected to discourage the works of citizens who wish to hold polluting agencies accountable. Kennedy stated, "The Hudson is my backyard, and the primary obligation of anyone in the environmental community is to clean his or her own backyard first. Global reform starts with local reform." Earlier in his career, Kennedy served as assistant district attorney in New York City. He has worked on several presidential campaigns, including those of Edward M. Kennedy in 1980 and Al Gore in 2000. Kennedy is the author of numerous articles and three books, including Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr., A Biography (1977), the New York State Apprentice Falconer's Manual, and his latest book, The Riverkeepers (1997), co-written with John Cronin. His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post, among other publications. Kennedy is a graduate of Harvard University. He studied at the London School of Economics and received his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School. Following graduation he attended Pace University School of Law, where he was awarded a master's degree in environmental law. March 20, 2003 Quick LinksAcademics @ Guilford Academic Departments Academic Skills Center BannerWeb Certification Programs College Calendar Course Catalog Course Schedules First Year Program Guilford Writing Manual Library Study Abroad Programs What's Going On @ Guilford? Art Gallery Athletics Campus Life Guilfordian Guilford Buzz Local Events and Activities News Services Where Can I Find Help? Admission Information Adult Programs Campus Ministry Campus Map Employment Opportunities Information Technology International Student Info Office of College Relations Office of Public Safety Services & Administration Ways of Giving.
Kurt Kilpatrick Business humorist and mimic with a motivating message.
Martin King, III Son of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. he is the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Martin Luther King, III is founder of the civil rights organization, American United for Affirmative Action.
Bill Kurtis Acclaimed documentary host and producer, network and major market news anchor, and multimedia production company president, Bill Kurtis is celebrating his fortieth anniversary in the field of broadcasting. Over the years, Kurtis has created a body of work that is virtually unparalleled. Born in Florida and raised in Independence, Kansas, Kurtis graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. He attended Washburn University School of Law where he was awarded a Juris Doctor degree. Kurtis began his television career at WIBW-TV (CBS) in Topeka, Kansas. In 1966, after being recognized for his 24-hour coverage of a devastating tornado, Kurtis was hired by WBBM-TV in Chicago where he was a field reporter and later anchor of The Channel Two News. Kurtis moved on to the network level at CBS where he anchored the CBS Morning News and contributed to CBS Reports. During his career as a network newsman, Kurtis covered such notable stories as the Richard Speck murders and the Charles Manson trial. He is also credited with breaking the Agent Orange story and the story of Amerasian children in Vietnam. Returning to Chicago and WBBM-TV as news anchor in 1985, Kurtis began his career as a documentarian, traveling to the far ends of the earth for the Peabody Award-winning series The New Explorers, which aired on A&E®. In 1990, he founded Kurtis Productions and began producing programs for the A&E Network, including the long-running, award-winning Investigative Reports and Cold Case Files® as well as Investigating History for The History Channel. Kurtis has also served as the host of A&E's AmericanJustice – the longest running non-fiction justice series on cable. Cold Case Files® was nominated for 2004 and 2005 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Nonfiction Series. Kurtis also provides satirical narration for the feature film comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, starring Will Ferrell and has provided spoken word elements to the recent Dandy Warhols' album released by Capitol Records. Kurtis is also an author. The Death Penalty on Trial: Crisis in American Justice (PublicAffairs) is his most recent book, which explores issues surrounding capital punishment in America. By profiling two murder cases, Mr. Kurtis reveals his change of mind regarding capital punishment.
Matt Lauer NBC “Today” co-anchor Matt Lauer has been co-anchor of NBC News’ Today since 1997. Lauer joined Today as news anchor in 1994, providing news updates throughout the two-hour telecast each weekday morning. He also was a frequent substitute for anchor Bryant Gumbel. From 1992 to 1996, Lauer was at WNBC-TV, New York as co-anchor for the station’s early evening and early morning newscasts, News Channel 4/Live at Five and Today in New York. Before joining WNBC, Lauer hosted a daily, live three-hour interview program, 9 Broadcast Plaza, in New York. Previous experience includes hosting a number of weekly information and talk programs in Boston, Philadelphia, Providence, and Richmond. Lauer began his career in 1979 as a producer of the noon news on WOWK-TV, Huntington, W.Va. and then became a reporter on the station’s 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts. Lauer attended Ohio University.
Chris Lowney Chris Lowney, formerly a Jesuit, was named a Managing Director of J.P. Morgan & Co. while still in his thirties and held senior positions in New York, Tokyo, Singapore and London. He served on Morgan's Asia-Pacific, European and Investment Banking Management Committees, accumulating a wealth of multinational experience at a company regularly ranked one of "America's Most Admired Companies" by Fortune magazine. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Lowney was a Jesuit seminarian for seven years. During that time, he taught and studied at Jesuit institutions in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University, where he also received his M.A. and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He is holder of honorary Doctoral degrees from Marymount Manhattan University and from the University of Great Falls. Lowney serves on the Board of Directors of Nativity Middle School and on the Board of Regents of St. Peter's College. He lives in New York, where he serves part-time as Special Assistant to the President of the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), the leading U.S.-based Catholic charity providing health care programs and services to people in need around the world. He has travelled to Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and India to help launch CMMB's major initiatives targeted at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. At least twenty percent of Lowney's royalties from the U.S. editions of his works are donated to charities providing education and health care to impoverished children in the developing world. Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company that Changed the World was the #1 ranked bestseller of the CBPA and was named a finalist for a 2003 Book of the Year Award from ForeWord magazine. Now available in paperback after four hardcover printings, it has already been translated into more than a half-dozen foreign languages. A Vanished World, recently published by Free Press/Simon & Schuster, has been awarded a starred review by Publishers Weekly. Mr. Lowney is a popular speaker on topics as varied as leadership, business ethics, and inter-religious dialogue, with engagements in some two-dozen U.S. cities and in non-U.S. locations as diverse as the Philippines, Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia, and Spain.
Mar Mar Mar Mar is internationally known as an expert in the area of negotiating training. Her wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of negotiating led her to become the only Latina that teaches negotiation worldwide. As an author, columnist and a public speaker, both passion and energy are the driving force behind all aspects in her life. In October 2004, she received the Latina Entrepreneur of Year 2004 award from the Latin Business Association (LBA) and in July, 2005, she received the Entrepreneurial award from the National Latina Business Women's Association - OC.
Phil Martelli Named head coach for the 2005 USA Men’s U21 World Championship Team on May 9, 2005, this summer marks Saint Joseph’s University (Pa.) head coach Phil Martelli's third assignment with USA Basketball after assisting U.S. teams to gold at the 2001 FIBA World Championship For Young Men and 1998 Goodwill Games. As an assistant to Clem Haskins in ‘98, Martelli was part of the memorable 1998 USA Goodwill Games Team, that despite being comprised of collegians, captured the gold medal after posting a 93-85 overtime win over the Australian Senior National Team. In 2001, as an assistant to Jim Boeheim, the USA Young Men swept its competition to claim the top spot with an 8-0 record.
Judge Greg Mathis Popular television judge who is featured on the nationally syndicated TV show "Judge Mathis". The youngest judge in Michigan history, Greg Mathis was a Michigan Superior Court Judge before the start of his television series. Mathis worked hard to win the judgeship in the city of Detroit. He had many obstacles to overcome. He had failed the Michigan bar exam once, and had been denied a license to practice law for several years after graduating from law school because of his criminal past. He had not accrued an extensive portfolio of legal work, and he was seen by the establishment as someone who lacked the necessary experience and insight to handle the hectic and heavy docket. Yet in 1995, he was elected a superior court judge for Michigan's 36th District, making him the youngest man in the state to hold the post. During the five years he was on the bench, he was rated in the top five of all judges in the 36th District; there are about thirty judges each year. He was trying to have a movie made about his youth when a partner was contacted by Blackpearl Productions about starting a television show. He has been hosting a television series, Judge Mathis, since 1999, in which he mediates disputes much like a real courtroom. In 2001, Mathis appeared in "1st Annual BET Awards" as himself. He also was a guest star as himself in the Steve Harvey show episode "Here Comes the Judge". Mathis has been parodied on Saturday Night Live by Tracy Morgan in the "Judge Horace" persona. At a rally commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Mathis said, "They (the Bush administration) all need to be locked up because they are all criminals and they are all thieves. It is indeed criminal to steal an election and within two years run up a federal deficit of half-a-trillion dollars, send our young people over to Iraq to die for an unjust war. What they are doing is criminal."
George Mitchell Mitchell, a Maine native and graduate of Bowdoin College, served in the U.S. Senate from 1980-95, including the last six years as Majority Leader. He was appointed to complete the un-expired term of Edmund Muskie, who resigned to become Secretary of State, and was elected to full terms in 1982 and 1988. While in the Senate, Mitchell led the Senate to passage of the nation's first childcare bill and was principal author of the low-income housing tax credit program. He was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a higher education bill, and he led the Senate to ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement and creation of the World Trade Organization. He served on the Senate's Finance, Veterans Affairs and Environment and Public Works Committees. Mitchell served as chairman of the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland, and under his leadership, the governments of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the political parties of Northern Ireland agreed upon an historic accord ending decades of conflict. In May 1998, the voters of Ireland, North and South, in a referendum, overwhelmingly endorsed the agreement. For his service in Northern Ireland, Mitchell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor that the U.S. Government can give, the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, the Truman Institute Peace Prize, the German Peace Prize and the United Nations Peace Prize. At the request of the governments of the United States and Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Mitchell served as chairman of an international fact finding committee on violence in the Middle East. Following graduation from Bowdoin in 1954, he served in Berlin, Germany, as an officer in the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps until 1956. He received an LLB degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1960. From 1960-62 he was a trial lawyer in the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. From 1962-65 he served as executive assistant to Sen. Muskie. In 1965 he returned to Maine where he engaged in the private practice of law in Portland until 1977. He was then appointed U.S. District Attorney for Maine, a position he held until 1979, when he was appointed U.S. District Judge for Maine. Mitchell is the author of four books. With his colleague, Sen. Bill Cohen of Maine, he wrote Men of Zeal, describing the Iran-Contra investigation. In 1990, he wrote World on Fire, describing the threat of the greenhouse effect and recommending steps to curb it. His next book was Not For America Alone: The Triumph of Democracy and The Fall of Communism. In 1999, Mitchell wrote Making Peace, an account of his experience in Northern Ireland.
Martha Montoya Martha Montoya is the Founder and President of Los Kitos and a Board Member of the Latino Business Association. Montoya built Los Kitos Entertainment LLC, which focuses on syndication of the Los Kitos bilingual cartoon strip to over 300 Spanish language newspapers in the U.S., the licensing of the characters to over 25 licensees, and LKELLC, which offers U.S. Hispanic market entry services to a variety of organizations. The Los Kitos cartoon strip can be read daily in newspapers worldwide, on the Internet, and heard in America and abroad through a weekly radio broadcast. Montoya has received many honors, including the Film Advisory Board Cartoonist of the Year Award, the National Hispanic Publications Cartoonist Award, Latin Business Association Latina Entrepreneur of the Year, Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year for 2002 by California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Hispanic Business 2002, and Hispanic Magazine 2003 honoring her as one of the 100 most influential people in the U.S. market. Montoya earned her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of La Salle, Bogota, Colombia.
Ralph Nader Ralph Nader is an attorney and political activist. Issues he has promoted include consumer rights, feminism, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government. Nader has also been a strong critic of American foreign policy in recent decades, which he views as corporatist, imperialist, and contrary to fundamental values of democracy and human rights. His activism has played a large part in the creation of many governmental and non-governmental organisations, such as the EPA, OSHA, Public Citizen, PIRGs and many more. Nader has run for President of the United States three times (1996, 2000, 2004). In 1996 and 2000 he was the nominee of the Green Party; Winona LaDuke was his vice-presidential running mate. In 2004 he ran as an independent with Green activist Peter Miguel Camejo as his vice-presidential nominee.
Oliver North Combat-Decorated Marine, Best-Selling Author, Former U.S. Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Oliver L. North is a combat decorated marine, a #1 best-selling author, the founder of a small business, an inventor with three U.S. patents, a syndicated columnist, and host of "War Stories" on Fox News Channel; yet he claims his most important accomplishment as being "the husband of one and the father of four." North was born in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and served 22 years as a U.S. Marine. His awards for service in combat include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and two Purple Hearts for wounds in combat. Assigned to the national security council staff in the Reagan administration, Colonel North was the United States Government's Counter-Terrorism Coordinator from 1983-1986, was involved in planning the rescue of 804 medical students on the island of Grenada, and played a major role in the daring capture of the hijackers of the cruise ship Achille Lauro. After helping plan the U.S. raid on Muammar Qaddafi's terrorist bases in Libya, North was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal, the infamous terrorist found dead in Baghdad in August, 2002. His award-winning combat coverage, while embedded with U.S. Marine and Army units for Fox News during Operation Iraqi Freedom, won international acclaim. He is the Author of: Under Fire, One More Mission, War Stories-Operation Iraqi Freedom; and three novels: Mission Compromised, The Jericho Sanction and The Assassins. All of his books are New York Times' best-sellers. North is also the founder of Freedom Alliance, a foundation which provides scholarships for the sons and daughters of service members killed in action.
Dr. Antonia Novello Antonia Coello Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., was nominated by Governor George Pataki and confirmed as the thirteenth Commissioner of Health for the State of New York on June 15, 1999. Dr. Novello was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and earned her B.S. and M.D. degrees at the University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Novello served a pediatric internship and residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and completed subspecialty training in pediatric nephrology at the University of Michigan and Georgetown University. She also earned Masters of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health degrees from Johns Hopkins University. She is a board-certified pediatrician. Dr. Novello has a long and illustrious career in public health. From 1979 to 1990, she worked for the U.S. Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health, where she served in various capacities, rising to Deputy Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. In 1990, Dr. Novello was appointed by President George Bush as the U.S. Surgeon General, a position she held until 1993. From 1993 to 1996, Dr. Novello served as the Special Representative for Health and Nutrition with UNICEF. Immediately prior to joining the New York State Department of Health, she served as Visiting Professor and Special Director of Community Health Policies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. Dr. Novello is Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Georgetown University School of Medicine and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. She is also Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the University of Michigan and Adjunct Professor of International Health at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Dr. Novello is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the American Society of Nephrology, the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, the American Pediatrics Society, and the Society for Pediatric Research. She is a member of the Institute of Medicine and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Surgeon General's Exemplary Service Medallion and Medal, Distinguished Service Medal of the U.S. Public Health Service, the American Medical Association's Nathan B. Davis Award, the National Women's Hall of Fame, the American Academy of Pediatrics Excellence in Public Service Award, the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars Award, the Elizabeth Blackwell Award, the Public Health Service Commissioned Officer's Association Health Leader of the Year Award, the Charles C. Shepard Science Award for Scientific Excellence, and the Ronald McDonald Children's Charities Award of Excellence. She holds over 45 honorary degrees.
Steve Palermo From the time he began his career as an American League Umpire in 1977, Steve Palermo was widely regarded as one of the best umpires in the game. In 15 years on the field, he brought a boundless energy and enthusiasm to a game that he loved. His career highlights include two of the most famous games in N.Y. Yankees history. In 1978, he worked the Yankees one game playoff against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park to determine the Eastern Divisional winner. In fact, it was Palermo, serving as the third base umpire, who signaled "fair ball" when Bucky Dent hit the game winning home run. On July 4, 1978 he worked behind the plate for Dave Righetti's no-hitter against the Red Sox at Yankees Stadium. In early July 1991, it seemed that Palermo's umpire career might have ended, but everyone knows it is difficult to win an argument with an umpire and Steve refuses to lose this one. On July 7, 1991, Steve and several friends were dining after a Texas Rangers game when they were alerted that two waitresses were being mugged in the parking lot. In an attempt to apprehend the assailants, Steve suffered a bullet wound to his spinal cord, resulting in instant paralysis to the lower extremities. Doctors told Steve and his wife, Debbie, that he would probably never walk again. Yet through rehabilitation and a lot of determination, Palermo is winning his argument...he is walking with the use of one small leg brace and a cane, and says he will return to the game he loves so much. On December 1, 1992, the Steve Palermo Foundation for Spinal Cord Injuries (SPF/SCI) formally opened their doors. The foundation was formed to fund research for the discovery of a cure for paralysis while also providing hope and support to those with spinal cord injuries and their families...helping them get "One Step Closer to Home." On January 1, 1995, the SPF/SCI merged with the Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation (KWNPF). When the KWNPF closed in September of 2003, Steve and his family looked for a way to continue the work that they had started. They found their answer by forming a partnership with the Kansas University Endowment Association. The Steve Palermo Endowment for Spinal Cord Injury Research was formed. The same drive and dedication that returned Palermo to his feet fuels the efforts of this endowment to aid in the discovery of a cure for paralysis. Since Steve’s injury, he has become highly regarded as a motivational speaker. He travels the country relaying his message of “Never Admit Defeat” to corporations and organizations nationwide. In 1994, Steve was named special Assistant to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. In 1996 – 1997, he provided feature reports and served as a color analyst for the New York Yankees cable network. In 2000, Steve was named Supervisor of Umpires, an additional role he now plays with Major League Baseball.
Dr. Jo Ann Pina Inspiring Leadership and Personal Success Dr. Jo Ann Pina is a Professional keynote speaker who has inspired thousands of people to take charge of their lives, realize their dreams and live up to their full potential though leadership development programs and motivational speaking engagements. Participants who have attended Dr. Pinas seminars and presentations rave about the wealth of knowledge and inspiration as well as the authentic way she connects with her audience Motivational speaker: No one exemplifies the idea of success over adversity better than Dr. Jo. She is a success specialist and shows you how you can achieve it! One of the few women of Hispanic heritage with advanced degrees in psychology and counseling, Dr. Jo also excels in cross-cultural communication, gender communication, and cultural diversity training --to enhance understanding between cultures and the sexes.
Tony Robbins For more than a quarter of a century, Anthony Robbins has served as an advisor to leaders around the world. A recognized authority on the psychology of leadership, negotiations, organizational turnaround, and peak performance, Tony Robbins has been honored for his strategic intellect and humanitarian endeavors. His non-profit Anthony Robbins Foundation' provides assistance to the homeless, elderly and inner-city youth, and feeds more than one million people in nine countries every year through its international holiday Basket Brigade. Robbins has directly impacted the lives of nearly 50 million people from 80 countries with his best-selling books and audiotape products, public speaking engagements, and live appearances. World Peace Negotiator & Humanitarian Anthony Robbins currently serves as Vice Chairman of Health, Education, and Science for the United Nations/Research Center for the International Council for Caring Communities ICCC) NGO. Anthony Robbins has worked with political and business leaders in diverse world communities such as South Africa, England, Indonesia, Cuba, Venezuela, and the United States of America. Through his strategies for Leadership in Times of Crisis and his systems for Indirect Negotiations, Anthony Robbins has participated in negotiations that have broken the patterns of violence and de-escalated the rhetoric that invites it. Anthony Robbins has worked on teams that not only help mitigate further devastation and facilitate peaceful decision-making among conflicting parties, but even inspire conflicting parties to create a mutually beneficial and compelling vision that is aligned with their respective values and raises the standards by which they live.
Roger Rosenblatt Roger Rosenblatt is a journalist, author, playwright and teacher. His essays for The NewsHour have won a Peabody and an Emmy award. His essays for Time magazine have won two George Polk Awards, awards from the American Bar Association, the Overseas Press Club, and others.Roger's journalism career began in 1975 as literary editor of The New Republic. He has also been a columnist and editor-at-large for Life magazine, the editor of U.S. News & World Report, a columnist and editorial board member of The Washington Post and editor-at-large of Time, Inc. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, The New Republic, Esquire and elsewhere.A Fulbright scholar with five honorary doctorates, Roger has a Ph.D. from Harvard, where he taught writing and modern literature from 1968-73 and was, at age 29, the youngest House Master in Harvard's history. He is the author of ten books, including a collection of his writings, "The Man in the Water," "Coming Apart: A Memoir of the Harvard Wars of 1969," and the national bestseller, "Rules for Aging." His Children of War (1983) won the Robert F. Kennedy Book Prize and has been published in seven languages. Roger is married, has three children and lives in New York City.
Esmeralda Santiago ESMERALDA SANTIAGO was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She came to the United States at thirteen, the eldest in a family that would eventually include eleven children. Ms. Santiago attended New York City’s Performing Arts High School, where she majored in drama and dance. After eight years of part-time study at community colleges, she transferred to Harvard University with a full scholarship. She graduated magna cum laude in 1976. In 1977, she and her husband, Frank Cantor, founded CANTOMEDIA, a film and media production company, which has won numerous awards for excellence in documentary filmmaking. Her writing career evolved from her work as a producer/writer of documentary and educational films. Her essays and opinion pieces have run in newspapers like the New York Times and the Boston Globe, in magazines like House & Garden, Metropolitan Home, and Sports Illustrated, and as guest commentary on NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Upon publication of her first book, the memoir When I was Puerto Rican, Ms. Santiago was hailed as “…a welcome new voice, full of passion and authority,” by the Washington Post Book World. Her first novel, América's Dream, was published in six languages, and was an Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild. “Thrilling and page turning, the fabulous story of América Gonzalez…is laid out masterfully,” according to the Chicago Tribune. Her second memoir, Almost a Woman, received numerous “Best of Year” mentions, in addition to an Alex Award from the American Library Association. Her adaptation of the memoir into a film for PBS Masterpiece Theatre, was greeted with critical and audience acclaim and was awarded a George Foster Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting. Her third memoir, The Turkish Lover, has received enthusiastic reviews as “an earthy, heartfelt tale of liberation, desperation, and the crippling grip of love.” (Booklist) It was selected a BookSense recommendation for September 2004 and appeared on several “Best of 2004” lists. With Joie Davidow, Ms. Santiago is co-editor of the anthologies, Las Christmas: Favorite Latino Authors Share Their Holiday Memories and Las Mamis: Favorite Latino Authors Remember their Mothers both published by Knopf. She is also the author of the illustrated children’s book, A Doll for Navidades. In addition to her literary endeavors, Ms. Santiago is an active volunteer. She is a spokesperson on behalf of public libraries. She has designed and developed community-based programs for adolescents, and was one of the founders of a shelter for battered women and their children. She serves on the boards of organizations devoted to the arts and to literature, and speaks vehemently about the need to encourage and support the artistic development of young people. Her community activism was cited when she received a Girl Scouts of America National Woman of Distinction Award in March 2002 along with Alma Powell and Elizabeth Dole. Ms. Santiago has earned a Master of Fine Arts in Fiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and Honorary Doctor of Letters from Trinity University, from Pace University and from Metropolitan College. The mother of two adult children, she lives in Westchester County, New York, with her husband, filmmaker Frank Cantor. She’s currently at work on a novel.
Bobby Seale With the success of Mario Van Peebles' film Panther, a new generation of film-goers discovered the lives and legacies of the Black Panthers. But until you've heard and seen legendary co-founder Bobby Seale, you still haven't experienced the real story. Co-founder and former chairman of the Black Panther Party, Seale is the last surviving architect of one of the most important movements in American and African-American history. Together with Huey P. Newton, Seale formed the Black Panther Party for Self Defense in 1966. They advocated the right to self-defense and moved to organize a realistic "Power to the People" revolution, putting their lives on the line against institutionalized racism, discrimination and police brutality. They began with only 400 members, but Seale's national membership drive swelled the ranks to over 5,000, in over 40 chapters and branches across America. Taking to the stage with his famous charisma and eloquence, he sheds light on the true birth of the Panthers (which grew from student activism, not the streets), transporting the audience back to the turbulence of the late '60s and early '70s, when the image of young black men with guns was unheard of. "Today, you don't need the guns," charges Bobby. "If you want to observe the police, do it with a camcorder!" Dubbing himself a "revolutionary humanist," Seale also brings the movement full circle, showing how times have changed, and giving a rousing call for a new '90s breed of social and political activism.
Barbara Sizemore Highly respected educator, Barbara Sizemore was the former Superintendent of Schools of the District of Columbia. She addresses such topics as "The Racial Crisis in American Education;" and "Cultural Pluralism in Education."
Jane Smiley Over her 20-year career, Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley has authored many novels, two of which were made into movies, A Thousand Acres and The Secret Lives of Dentists. However, despite her wildly successful career, her impulse to write faltered in the weeks after 9/11. That is when she approached the medium from the reader’s angle: She read 100 novels, ancient and new, from classics to little-known gems. TALKING POINTS: Smiley discusses the pleasure of reading; why a novel succeeds, or doesn't; and how the form has changed over time. She delves into the character of the novelist, and reveals how her favorites books have affected her own life. Smiley takes us deep into the process of writing, sharing the secrets of her own habits, and her theories of creativity.
Susan L Taylor Susan L. Taylor has been the driving force behind one of the most celebrated African American owned business success stories of the past three decades. She is the senior editorial executive at the venerable communications company and writes the popular In the Spirit column each month. She is currently working on her newest book, All about Love: Favorite Selections from in the Spirit on Living Fearlessly. The book draws from the 25 years of her In the Spirit column. A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Taylor was the founder of her own company, Nequai Cosmetics, before becoming Essence fashion and beauty editor and, in 1981, its Editor-in-Chief. She is the author of three books: In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor, Lessons in Living and Confirmation: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives, the latter coauthored with her husband, Khephra Burns. She is also a greatly sought-after speaker, delivering inspiring messages of hope and possibility that encourage us to reclaim and reorient our lives and society and create peaceful, productive, sustainable communities. In 1999 Taylor became the first African American woman to receive The Henry Johnson Fisher Award from the Magazine Publishers of America, the magazine industry's highest honor. In 2002 Taylor was inducted into the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame, which celebrates the career-long records of excellence, creativity and impact of a select group of highly influential magazine journalists. Taylor's visionary leadership was acknowledged when NAACP President Bruce presented her with his first President's Award in 2006. She is an avid supporter of a host of organizations dedicated to moving the Black community forward. Her passion and focus are on creating equity in education and turning around the nation's failing schools, which, she says are "the pipeline to prison." Taylor has received more than a dozen honorary degrees from numerous colleges and universities, including Lincoln University, Spelman College, Dillard University, Bennett College for Women, the University of Delaware and her alma mater, Fordham University. Most recently Taylor has been focusing her attention on the Essence Cares initiative. She launched this call to action to the African American community at the 2006 Essence Music Festival. It is a massive mentoring campaign that asks every able adult and our leadershipelected and appointed officials, educators, business, religious and secular leaders and college students to rally their communities to guide and secure our vulnerable children who are crying out for help. The goal is to create the largest mentoring campaign in the history of the nation and increase high school graduation rates among African American students by 10 percent annually. Taylor is also a cofounder of The Future PAC, the first national political action committee devoted to providing progressive African American women opportunities to hold more federal and state political offices by creating a network of support and funding. In addition, Taylor and Danny Glover co-chair a capital campaign to raise money to build housing in the rural areas of South Africa. She serves on the board of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, DC, and is an official on the Louisiana Recovery Authority, which she joined to assist the devastated people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.
Tom Tso Tom Tso played a pioneering role in establishing modern Anglo-American law and legal processes in the Navajo Nation while upholding tribal values, independence, and integrity. As the first Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation Supreme Court at its establishment 1985, Tom served as its widely respected leader until his disability retirement in 1991. After graduating from high school in 1965, Tom served as a Marine, earning the Purple Heart in 1966 for wounds he sustained as a sergeant in Vietnam. His training in legal services began in 1970, at the Navajo Legal Aid and Defender Services, where he was an interpreter, investigator, and court advocate. In 1978, he was appointed director of the Tribal Law and Development Litigation Unit of Department of Native Affairs-People's Legal Services, Inc. In March 1982, Tom was appointed District Court Judge, where he presided over civil, criminal, and juvenile cases for four years before being appointed Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation. At his confirmation in 1985, Tom said, "No person can be guaranteed fairness and impartiality from the courts unless the judges and courts are free to carry out their duties without the possibility of any type of influence from any other person or government body." Because the Navajo Nation operates without a constitution, there has been serious debate about the role of the tribal courts in deciding legal issues about the structure of the Navajo Nation government. Tom's calm and steady efforts to maintain the independence and primacy of the Navajo judiciary over Navajo Nation affairs and to keep the court's focus on its judicial mission amid intense controversy won praise from every quarter. Tom rejects the melting pot image where "everybody blends together to form an indistinguishable mixture. This is fine for people who come to this country and want to jump into the pot. The real measure of tolerance and respect may well be how successfully the outside world can coexist with tribes." Tom has been particularly successful in helping non-Native Americans better understand the Navajo emphasis on traditional relationships with nature and the effect this has on cases involving natural resources and the environment.
Johnnie Tuitel To many, Johnnie Tuitel's disability is a struggle. But to Johnnie, it's just the way things are. Much of his positive attitude can be attributed to his upbringing. In 1963, doctors told Johnnie's Dutch-immigrant parents that their son had cerebral palsy. "He'll be a burden," they said. "He won't be able to lead a normal life." Ignoring the doctors, the Tuitels took their baby home to love him and to raise him. They encouraged him to focus on his abilities and to try anything and everything. Yes, there were cuts and bruises along the way, but they just increased his determination and toughened his resolve. Each struggle was a stepping-stone to a higher, yet undefined goal. The goal became clearer in 1974 when Johnnie became the first student with a disability to be mainstreamed into the public school system. He not only completed public schooling, but went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. And all this from a young man who wasn't supposed to be able to lead a "normal" life. Speaker, author, entrepreneur, visionary, family man and world-traveler, Johnnie Tuitel is a man who thinks outside the wheelchair. And he helps others to focus on life's potentials rather than its limitations.
Ted Turner Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III (born November 19, 1938) is an American media mogul and philanthropist. He is perhaps best known for founding CNN and Turner Classic Movies and his $1 billion pledge to the United Nations. Turner served as vice chairman of Time Warner Inc., a position he assumed in October 1996, following the merger of Time Warner Inc. and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. As vice chairman, Turner oversaw the Time Warner cable networks division, which consists of the assets of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., including the domestic and international arms of Cable News Network (CNN), Cartoon Network, Headline News, TBS Superstation, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and Turner Network Television (TNT), as well as Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO), Cinemax, Warner Bros. International Networks, and Time Warner's interest in Comedy Central and Court TV. He also oversaw New Line Cinema and the company's professional sports teams-Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves, National Basketball Association's Atlanta Hawks and the Thrashers, Atlanta's National Hockey League expansion team. In January 2001, he became vice chairman of AOL Time Warner subsequent to the merger between Time Warner and AOL in 2000 - a position he retained until he resigned in May 2003. Turner's media empire began with his father's billboard business which he took over at the age of 24 after his father's death. Purchase of an Atlanta UHF station in 1970 began the assemblage of the Turner Broadcasting System. His Cable News Network (CNN) revolutionized news media, coming to the forefront covering the space shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986 and the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Years later he originated the "superstation" concept, transmitting the station's signal to cable systems nationwide via satellite. Turner has made his mark as one of the most influential philanthropists in the US. Originator of the Goodwill Games in 1985, he is also president of the Turner Foundation, the Turner family's private grant-making organization, which focuses on population and the environment. Turner is also chairman of the United Nations Foundation, a charitable organization he founded to support UN causes, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Turner, the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, is an active environmentalist and has received numerous civic and industry awards and honors, including being named Time magazine's 1991 Man of the Year and Broadcasting's Man of the Century in 1999, he was also inducted into the Cable TV Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1995, Turner accepted, on behalf of the team, the Atlanta Braves' first World Championship trophy, and in August 2000, he was inducted into the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame. In January 2002, Turner opened the first Ted's Montana Grill, which specializes in bison burgers, in Columbus, Ohio with his partner, George W. McKerrow Jr., founder of the Longhorn Steakhouse chain and several other successful restaurants. Ted's Montana Grill expects to open up to forty more restaurants in the next few years.
Stuart Varney A legend in business journalism, this Peabody-award winning economist is one of the most respected names in financial reporting. Varney, now with Fox News, joined CNN upon its founding in 1980. His broad range of expertise offers an insider’s view of the latest economic trends and news headlines, unraveling the complexities of the business world, from Wall Street to Main Street. Varney’s talk will encompass the most pressing developments in domestic and international business and the advantages--and--dangers of the new global economy. He helps audiences benefit from the fluctuations in the financial markets and make better decisions regarding investments, real estate, retirement, taxes and family finance.
John Walsh A tireless advocate for victims’ rights and missing children, John Walsh has turned his passion for justice into the nation's number-one crime-fighting show, FOX’s America's Most Wanted. Then, from 2002 to February, 2004, NBC daytime aired The John Walsh Show; a new platform for Walsh to comment on current events and issues that are of concern to him. Walsh is no stranger to violent crime; in fact, his incredibly successful career as a host of a nationally televised program, and as an advocate for victims’ rights, was a career Walsh never anticipated. In the summer of 1981, Walsh was a partner in a hotel management company in Hollywood, Florida. He was living the American dream. He and his wife, Revé, had a beautiful six-year-old son, Adam, the joy of their lives. They never thought crime could touch them. But that joy was shattered on July 27th, 1981, when Adam was abducted and later found murdered. The Walshes have never received the closure that America's Most Wanted has brought the lives of so many crime victims. The prime suspect in Adam's murder, Ottis Toole, was never charged in the Adam Walsh case; he died in prison while serving life for other crimes, taking the truth to the grave with him. The story of the Walsh family's tragedy has been dramatized in the 1983 NBC television movie, Adam, and a 1986 sequel, Adam: His Song Continues. Following the airing of the broadcasts, a roll of missing children was featured, leading to the recovery of 65 youngsters. It wasn't long after Adam's death that the Walshes turned their grief into positive energy to help missing and exploited children. Battling bureaucratic resistance and legislative nightmares, John and Revé's work led to the passage of the Missing Children Act of 1982 and the Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1984. The latter Bill founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which maintains a toll-free hotline number (1-800-THE-LOST) to report a missing child or the sighting of one. In their son's memory, they also founded the Adam Walsh Child Resource Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to legislative reform. Recently, the centers, originally located in West Palm Beach, Florida, Columbia, South Carolina, Orange County, California, and Rochester, New York, merged with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Walsh serves on the board of directors of the National Center. Back in 1984, Esquire Magazine voted John Walsh "one of the best of the new generation." Since then, Walsh's endless quest for justice has been trumpeted across the pages of newspapers and magazines around the nation including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and People Magazine, where Walsh was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People for 1996. And CBS portraits named him one of the 100 Americans Who Changed History. Walsh’s life has also been chronicled on A & E’s Biography program as well as on MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends with Matt Lauer. Law Enforcement officials around the nation have also honored Walsh for his efforts. In 1988 he was named the U.S. Marshals Man Of The Year, and two years later received the same honor from the FBI " the Bureau's highest civilian award. The U.S. Marshals also made Walsh an Honorary US Marshal in 2003 – an honor only bestowed upon seven other people in the agency’s history. Walsh has received hundreds of other honors, including the 1984 Father of the Year Award from the National Father's Day Committee. Walsh is the only private citizen to receive a Special Recognition Award by a U.S. Attorney General, and he's been honored in the Rose Garden four times by three presidents: Clinton, Bush (Sr.), and Reagan (twice). Today, Walsh continues his lobbying efforts, testifying before Congress and state legislatures on crime, missing children and victims' issues. His latest efforts include lobbying for a Constitutional Amendment for victims' rights.
Erik Weihenmayer Erik Weihenmayer is the first blind man in history to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain - Mount Everest. On September 5, 2002, when he stood on top of Mt. Kosciusko in Australia, Erik Weihenmayer completed his 7-year quest to climb the Seven Summits - the highest peaks on each of the seven land continents, joining only 100 mountaineers who have accomplished that feat. At age 34, he was also one of the youngest. Erik Weihenmayer also participated in the 2004 Eco Challenge - the most arduous adventure race in the world. A former middle school teacher and wrestling coach, Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most exciting and well-known athletes in the world. Despite losing his vision at the age of 13, Erik has become an accomplished mountain climber, skydiver, and skier, who has never let his blindness interfere with his passion for an exhilarating and fulfilling life. Erik Weihenmayer's feats have earned him an ESPY and recognition by Time Magazine for one of the greatest sporting achievements of 2001. In addition to being a world-class athlete, Erik is the author of the new book, The Adversity Advantage, which will teach you how to use adversity as a force for superior achievement, resilience, agility, innovation, energy, and happiness. He is also the author of Touch the Top of the World, in which Erik recalls his struggle to push past the limits of vision loss. Erik Weihenmayer tells his extraordinary story with humor, honesty and vivid detail, and his fortitude and enthusiasm are deeply inspiring. Erik speaks movingly of the role his family played in his battle to break through the barriers of blindness. Erik Weihenmayer's accomplishments have gained him abundant press coverage including repeated visits to NBC's Today Show and Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Oprah, Good Morning America, and Inside Edition to name a few. He has also been featured on the cover of Time magazine and in Sports Illustrated and Men's Journal. Erik Weihenmayer speaks to audiences around the country on overcoming life's challenges, the importance of teamwork, and the daily struggle to pursue your dreams.
Xu Wenli One of China's most recognized pro-democracy advocates, Mr. Xu spent 16 years in prison for his activities as a dissident. He was a leader in the Democracy Wall movement from 1979 to 1981, edited the samizdat-style journal April Fifth Forum, and played a major role in establishing the Beijing-Tianjin branch of the China Democracy Party. Mr. Xu's health suffered while in prison. In reaction to his declining condition, international human rights groups, the U.S. ambassador to China, and Western officials called for his release. The Chinese government finally relented and released him on medical grounds in December 2002. He and his wife left China immediately for the United States to be reunited with their daughter, Xu Jin, who lives in Rhode Island.