CAROLYN CURIEL (Photo credit: Matthew Arnold)

Distinguished journalist, former U.S. ambassador, Hammond native to lecture, 4/13

New York Times editorial board member, former United States Ambassador and Hammond native Carolyn Curiel will present a Purdue University Calumet Distinguished Lecture, Wednesday, April 13.

The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in Purdue Calumet's conference and meeting facility, The Center. Admission is free.

Curiel, an alumna of Purdue University and nearby Morton High School, will discuss the importance of informed opinion in today's society in her lecture entitled, "Brother, Sister, Can You Spare a Damn?"

"With all that is occurring in our world, our nation and our communities, it is more important than ever to be adequately informed, because information is a powerful tool for improving our lives, in ways large and small," Curiel said. "Unfortunately, the combination of mis-information and our busy, stressful fast-paced lifestyle is challenging the development of informed opinion in our society."

The Distinguished Lecture by Curiel is the first presented at Purdue Calumet.

"It is gratifying to have someone of Ms. Curiel's impressive and diverse career background visit our campus to share her views as a Distinguished Lecturer," Purdue Calumet Chancellor Howard Cohen said. "That she is a Purdue graduate and Hammond native makes her visit that much more special. We look forward to her remarks being inspirational and providing a broader world perspective to students and residents alike.

As a New York Times editorial board member, Curiel helps develop and articulate newspaper opinions and ideas, notably in such fields as social policy, politics and environment. Her broad-based journalistic background also includes assignments with the Washington Post and United Press International. Additionally, she was nominated for an Emmy for her work as writer/producer for the ABC television news program, "Nightline."

During the Clinton administration, she served the White House as a speech writer, addressing issues that comprised President Clinton's opportunity agenda, such as health, environment, trade, education, race relations and law enforcement.

After delivering an Affirmative Action speech in 1995, President Clinton praised Curiel, saying, "She made history this afternoon…She had more to do with drafting it than anybody else. And she is the first person of color to write speeches for the President…It may be that the one she wrote today will go down as one of the two or three most important I have ever delivered."

She went on to serve as ambassador to Belize from November 1997 through March 2001, addressing such bilateral and regional issues as border disputes, cultural and educational exchange, trade and economic cooperation, security and law enforcement. Additionally, she negotiated, signed and delivered treaties on matters relating to legal collaboration and extradition, as well as increasing counter-narcotics cooperation.

News Release Date: April 4, 2005