Avila University Truman Lecture Series

Featuring World War II prisoner of war and Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, recently seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and subject of the book, Unbroken, The New York Times bestseller

October 31, 2012

MEDIA ALERT

WHAT:                
Avila University presents the Harry Truman Lecture Series, free to the public
Featuring World War II prisoner of war and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini, recently seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and subject of the book, Unbroken, The New York Times bestseller

WHEN:                
3-6 p.m., Thursday, November 8, 2012; RSVP to www.avila.edu/truman

WHERE:              
Goppert Theatre and Whitfield Conference Room – Avila University Campus
11901 Wornall Rd.  Kansas City, MO  64145

WHY:                  
To honor veterans and hear first-hand stories of war from true heroes and members of our “Greatest Generation.” Veterans are invited, but must RSVP at www.avila.edu/truman

CONTACT:          
Bob Luder, Public Relations Specialist – 816-501-2434

Events will begin with an hour-long panel presentation in the Whitfield Conference Room featuring Ray Geselbracht, special assistant to the director of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, WWII veteran Carl Freeman and U.S. Marines Capt. Jim Pippen, retired. The panel will be moderated by Sue Ellen McCalley, Ph.D., professor of education and psychology at Avila University.

Following a reception honoring our veterans from 4-5 p.m., Louie Zamperini, WWII prisoner of war and 1936 American Olympic distance runner, will share his story via live video conference of survival, resilience and redemption as reflected in Laura Hillenbrand’s book about his life, Unbroken. Avila first-year students have read and discussed Unbroken as part of the Common Reading Program. Avila President Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., and the Avila University Singers also will be featured.

Louis Zamperini on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Mr. Zamperini, 95, recently was a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Below are links to that appearance:

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/95yearold-war-hero-part-1-6712/1405477

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/95-year-old-war-hero-part-2-6-7-12/1405494

HISTORY:            
Avila University received exclusive rights from former president Harry S. Truman to establish a lecture series in his name in 1970. The permission was granted to S. Olive Louise Dallavis, CSJ, former president of Avila University. Past lecturers include William F. Buckley, Clarence Kelly and Nancy Landon Kassebaum.

# # #