September 11, 2006
Author Judith Viorst to speak at SIUC
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The New York Times bestselling author of "Necessary Losses" will present her unique perspective to students and faculty at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Judith Viorst, Emmy winner and prolific author, will speak at the SIUC Student Center Auditorium on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m., for the 15th annual Glassman University Honors Lecture. A reception and book signing will follow the speech. The events are free and open to the public.
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Media Advisory
Reporters, camera crews and photographers are welcome to attend a news conference featuring Judith Viorst at 3 p.m. on Sept. 26 in the Ohio Room of the SIUC Student Center. For more information, contact the University Honors Program at 618/453-2824.
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Viorst has a long and distinguished career as a writer. She is the author of 12 children's books, including the classic "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," eight collections of poetry, three musicals, five books of prose and a column that ran in Redbook for more than 25 years.
Viorst will base her speech at SIUC on her book, "Necessary Losses." She argues that losses (relinquished dreams, aging, settling for less-than-perfect love) ultimately shape who we are. Using humorous anecdotes and a keen sense of observation, Viorst says losses can lead to growth and positive change.
"The audience should come away with a deeper perspective on the human condition, and recognize that the issue of loss (both large and small) should be welcomed as a necessary part of life's journey," said Lori Merrill-Fink, associate director of the University Honors Program.
The Michael and Nancy Glassman University Honors Lecture Series is underwritten by a generous endowment from Nancy Kreftmeyer Glassman and her late husband, Michael L. Glassman, both SIUC alumni.
Viorst will join a distinguished list of participants in the Glassman Lecture series, which includes Paul Simon, Elie Wiesel, Jeane Kirkpatrick, John Updike, Carl Bernstein and Naomi Wolf.
Leading in research, scholarly and creative activities is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.
Judith Viorst
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