Diane Keaton, Kenneth Cole, and Associate Justice Clarence Thomas Headline 2009-2010 Tate Lecture Series at SMU

DALLAS (SMU) — An Oscar winner, a fashion industry leader, and an associate justice of the Supreme Court are among the speakers for the 2009-10 Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series at SMU. In its 28th year, the Tate Series will bring renowned leaders from diverse fields to share their unique perspectives with area residents.

Sept. 8, 2009	The Linda and Mitch Hart Lecture
	Panelists: Thomas L. Friedman  — Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author of Hot, Flat, and Crowded Fareed Zakaria —  Editor of Newsweek International and host of CNN's “Fareed Zakaria GPS” Moderator: David Gergen —  CNN senior political analyst and former advisor to four U.S. presidents
Nov. 17, 2009	The Lacerte Family Lecture
	Christopher Buckley — Political satirist and author of bestsellers Supreme Courtship and Thank You for Smoking
Dec. 8, 2009	The Oncor Electric Delivery Lecture
	Buzz Aldrin — Astronaut and space tourism advocate celebrating the 40th anniversary of his Apollo 11 moon landing
TBD 2009	The Omni Hotels Lecture
	Clarence Thomas — Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Jan. 19, 2010	The Gregg and Molly Engles Lecture
	21st-Century Russia: U.S. Relations in the Post-Soviet World Panelists: Ian Bremmer — Expert on global politics and international risk management, and author of The J Curve: A New Way to Understand Why Nations Rise and Fall Stephen Hadley — U.S. National Security Advisor, 2005-2009 Moderator: Claire Shipman — ABC News senior national correspondent and former member of CNN’s Moscow bureau
Feb. 23, 2010	The Jones Day Lecture
	Jill Bolte Taylor — Neuroanatomist named to TIME’s  “100 Most Influential People in the World” for 2008 and author of bestseller “My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey”
April 6, 2010	TBA
	Kenneth Cole — Fashion industry leader, humanitarian and activist
May 4, 2010	The Tolleson Lecture
	Diane Keaton — Director and Academy Award-winning actress

"Every season the Tate Lecture Series announces a group of intellectually stimulating and engaging speakers who reflect the high standards of SMU," said Terdema L. Ussery, II, chair of the Tate Lecture Series Board of Directors. "Once again, our lineup of innovators and leaders represents a variety of fields that build and shape the world around us. We look forward to hearing their stories, invaluable knowledge, and piercing insights with our campus and surrounding communities."

"The Tate Lecture Series brings North Texas the opportunity to hear from national and international leaders and provides SMU with significant financial support for scholarships and student programs," said Brad E. Cheves, SMU vice president for development and external affairs. "And through the Turner Construction Student Forum question-and-answer sessions, we are pleased to provide thousands of area high school and middle school students the opportunity to ask questions and hear from these legendary leaders."

The Tate Lecture Series is presented by The Dallas Morning News and sponsored by American Airlines, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Turner Construction and WFAA-TV. The series annually returns nearly $1 million to the University.

Tickets to individual lectures may be ordered online at smu.edu/tate or by calling 214-SMU-TATE (214-768-8283).

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