October 23, 2012

Media Advisory -- Gov. James R. Thompson lecture

Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to attend an availability with former Illinois Gov. James R. (Jim) Thompson at 1:15 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, at SIU Carbondale's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The availability will take place in the Institute lobby, 1231 Lincoln Drive, in the old U.S. Forestry Building. Institute Director David Yepsen will host.

Thompson will discuss "Perspectives on Illinois Government Past, Present and Future," at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Student Center. Admission is free, and the public is invited to the evening event.

A former federal prosecutor, Thompson is the longest serving governor in Illinois history, serving from 1977 to 1991. He is currently senior chairman of Winston & Strawn, LLP, a major international law firm based in Chicago that he has been with since 1991. Thompson served on the 9-11 Commission that examined circumstances surrounding the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and has also worked on the legal case involving former Illinois Gov. George H. Ryan.

Thompson's appearance marks the anniversaries of WSIU-TV and the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. WSIU-TV is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is marking its 15th year of service.

For more information, contact Matt Baughman, Institute associate director, at 618/453-4009 or 618/201-0082.