Date: March 17, 2005
Contact: Michael Hopkins
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: m-hopkins@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, March 17, 2005 – Second District Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., will speak at Governors State University on Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m. in Engbretson Hall, on the university’s main campus, 1 University Parkway, University Park. The university’s Master of Public Administration Club (M.P.A. Club) invited Jackson to speak as part of its growing “Distinguished Lecture Series.”
“Our club members are practicing or aspiring administrators,” said the club’s secretary, Sharon Kriha. “It’s part of our mission to bring speakers to the university who can share their experiences in the field. We’re interested in making constructive progress, and successful leaders like Congressman Jackson show us how that can be accomplished.”
Kriha is working on her master’s degree in Public Administration through Governors State’s College of Business and Public Administration. True to the calling of many M.P.A. students and alumni, Kriha is running for public office, as trustee in Richton Park.
Kriha added that speakers in the Distinguished Lecture Series have the experience to guide club members down the most productive paths for public service.
Kriha said, “Congressman Jackson’s work for Illinois and the Second District demonstrates how we can influence the direction of our communities and invest in progress.”
Jackson’s efforts on behalf of Governors State University and University Park, in particular, were celebrated at a Jackson visit to the university’s Family Development Center on January 11. Jackson presented University Park Mayor Al McCowan a check of $200,000, representing a Federal grant the congressman secured for a beautification project along Cicero Avenue. Jackson secured grants totaling $300,000 for equipment and training for Governors State’s Family Development Center, which has developed an integrated program to provide education for children, beginning at birth, and for training parents and educators on the best ways to maximize a child’s potential.
Jackson was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the university in 1998.
“We’re pleased to welcome Congressman Jackson to our campus again,” said Governors State President Stuart Fagan, “The congressman is a staunch supporter of higher education and development in the region. He’s been a good friend to our university and students.”
Freda Whisenton-Comer, the club’s treasurer, said the Distinguished Lecture Series has brought Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., as well as President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners John Stroger and Illinois Senator Debbie Halvorson, a GSU alumni, to GSU’s campus to speak.
Congressman Jackson’s March 22 appearance is open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Susan Gaffney at 708-534-5000, ext. 5363.
