Former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey to Speak at ESRI

22 October 2009, 8:15pm

Redlands, California — October 22, 2009 — Former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, who ran for president of the United States in 1992 and served as Nebraska's governor, will speak at 5:00 p.m. on October 30 at ESRI, 350 New York Street, in Redlands.

Kerrey's talk, which will be free and open to the public, will inaugurate an ongoing educational and cultural series of speeches, performances, and programs that ESRI and the University of Redlands Town & Gown organization will cosponsor. The events will be held in ESRI’s new state-of-the-art auditorium.

Kerrey, 66, was Nebraska's governor from 1983 to 1987 and later served as the state's U.S. senator from 1989 to 2001. He left the Senate to become president of the New School, a university in New York City that was founded on strong democratic ideals and daring educational practices. Throughout his career in public service, Kerrey has strongly advocated for increased education spending. He continues to do so today, recognizing that democratic life flourishes when all citizens are properly educated and given every chance to participate in the political process.

Kerrey's talk will be followed by a short reception, allowing people the opportunity to talk with him in person.

Upcoming speakers will include Earl E. Devaney, chairman of the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board; Willie Smits, biologist and founder of Borneo Orangutan Survival; and Larry Burgess, local historian and director of the A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands. Future programs will include films; musical and theatrical performances; and talks by business leaders, government officials, and environmentalists.

ESRI president Jack Dangermond said the diverse slate of speakers and programs will pique the interests of people of all ages. "We look forward to bringing the community the caliber of events that will start a dialog on important topics of interest in the Inland Empire, as well as nationally and internationally.”

Stuart Dorsey, president of the University of Redlands, said the university is proud to cosponsor a series of programs he describes as an "ongoing education." "It's a way that the university and ESRI can give back to the community that so strongly supports us."

Advance reservations are required. Visit the link below and click the Reservations link or call the University of Redlands at 909-748-8011.

Series Schedule for 2009:

October 30, 5:00 p.m.: Former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey

November TBA, 5:00 p.m.: Willie Smits, biologist and founder of Borneo Orangutan Survival, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting orangutans and their habitats

December 9, 5:00 p.m.: Earl E. Devaney, chairman of the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, which oversees spending of the funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the stimulus package passed by Congress

Advance reservations

Geo: International