2008 Woodie Awards
Miami alum funds visit of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer
Austin Fast
Issue date: 3/6/07 Section: Campus
Well-known columnist, commentator, and author George F. Will plans to bring his more than three decades of journalistic and political expertise Tuesday, April 3 to Miami University.
The free public lecture, titled "The Political Argument Today," is slated to begin at 4 p.m. in Millett Hall.
According to Claire Wagner, assistant director of university communications, the event is sponsored by Thomas W. Smith, a 1950 graduate of Miami who currently serves as the president of Prescott Investors, Inc., a private investing firm located in Greenwich, Conn.
Throughout his career, Will has accumulated many journalistic credentials and honors, including a 1976 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary in his newspaper columns. In 1997, he was identified by the National Journal as one of the 25 most influential Washington journalists.
In regards to bring him to Miami, Smith is mainly impressed with Will's experience, but especially his intelligence and competence.
"Will is such a renowned columnist," Smith said. "He really is one of the premiere and most intellectually competent journalists. He is a true student of history who is very thoughtful and independent."
Jayne Whitehead, vice president for university advancement, said that Smith is dedicated to giving back to his alma mater.
"Mr. Smith is a longtime supporter of Miami and knows how important it is to bring in contemporary thinkers and writers with influence in mainstream media," Whitehead said. "He admires George Will and hopes students and the community will enjoy and reap some ideas from Mr. Will's perspective."
Smith said that during Will's speech, he plans to tailor the event to his student audience and speak about current political events.
Smith is assured that though Will leans toward the conservative right, his speech will appeal to both liberals and conservatives since he is a "highly independent free thinker."
"He never felt comfortable with the first Bush administration," Smith said. "He is very comfortable criticizing anyone in office, but with great thought and no diatribe."
The free public lecture, titled "The Political Argument Today," is slated to begin at 4 p.m. in Millett Hall.
According to Claire Wagner, assistant director of university communications, the event is sponsored by Thomas W. Smith, a 1950 graduate of Miami who currently serves as the president of Prescott Investors, Inc., a private investing firm located in Greenwich, Conn.
Throughout his career, Will has accumulated many journalistic credentials and honors, including a 1976 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary in his newspaper columns. In 1997, he was identified by the National Journal as one of the 25 most influential Washington journalists.
In regards to bring him to Miami, Smith is mainly impressed with Will's experience, but especially his intelligence and competence.
"Will is such a renowned columnist," Smith said. "He really is one of the premiere and most intellectually competent journalists. He is a true student of history who is very thoughtful and independent."
Jayne Whitehead, vice president for university advancement, said that Smith is dedicated to giving back to his alma mater.
"Mr. Smith is a longtime supporter of Miami and knows how important it is to bring in contemporary thinkers and writers with influence in mainstream media," Whitehead said. "He admires George Will and hopes students and the community will enjoy and reap some ideas from Mr. Will's perspective."
Smith said that during Will's speech, he plans to tailor the event to his student audience and speak about current political events.
Smith is assured that though Will leans toward the conservative right, his speech will appeal to both liberals and conservatives since he is a "highly independent free thinker."
"He never felt comfortable with the first Bush administration," Smith said. "He is very comfortable criticizing anyone in office, but with great thought and no diatribe."
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