April 12, 2007

Former Rep. Gephardt, soprano Gustafson highlight Seminar Day

Sessions with alumni speakers explore variety of topics in current events

Former U.S. Representative Richard A. Gephardt and renowned operatic soprano and Northwestern University School of Music Artist-in-Residence Nancy Gustafson — both Northwestern graduates — will be the keynote speakers for the 2007 Northwestern Alumni Association’s “A Day With Northwestern in Evanston.”

The 38th Annual Seminar Day, which takes place Saturday, April 21, features 14 seminars and thought-provoking discussions on topics — from food and wine to cutting edge cancer research and from tips for succeeding in the sports journalism field to comments on American foreign policy.

The annual daylong event is open to the public and will be held on the University’s Evanston campus from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Norris University Center. Space is limited and large crowds are expected, so interested participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

In addition to the two keynote sessions — other sessions will explore today’s economy; provide an overview of new media advances in technology and content; relate accounts of ordinary men and women who resisted British rule during the American Revolution; report on in-depth medical and disaster issues; and explore the perceptions about the spread of Islam in Africa and the political implications of the post-9/11 world.

Gustafson, the lunchtime keynote speaker, will recall how Northwestern prepared her for a life in opera. The topic of her 11:30 a.m. talk is “Musetta Goes Forth: A Singer’s Journey Through the World of Classical Music.” Gustafson will share highlights from her stellar career and discuss the validity of classical music in current society and the future. She has appeared in Europe’s major opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera, Covent Garden, La Scala and the Paris Opera.

The topic of Gephardt’s 2:30 p.m. keynote speech is “Big Challenges for the Future.”  In 1987, Gephardt became the first Democratic candidate to enter the 1988 presidential race, where he won the Iowa Democratic Caucus and helped frame the economic issues that dominated the election. In 1994, Gephardt was elected by his colleagues to serve as the House Democratic Leader, the top Democratic Leadership position in the House.

Other esteemed alumni will lead the following sessions:

Brian S. Wesbury, chief economist, First Trust Advisors, L.P., will explain why economic forecasting in today’s dynamic marketplace is no easy task, and why some businesses are thriving while others are suffering.

Karen Page, author of seven books on contemporary gastronomy, including the 2006 Georges Duboeuf Wine Book of the Year Award winner “What to Drink with What You Eat.” She will provide an insider’s look at the New American dining scene and the secrets behind some of the best practices of the country’s leading chefs and restaurateurs, and how to apply them to everyday life.

P. Mona Khanna, M.D., contributing medical editor, KTVT-TV (CBS 11), Dallas-Fort Worth, a quadruple board-certified practicing medical doctor and award-winning journalist, specializes in reporting on in-depth medical and disaster issues. In the aftermath of “9/11,” the tsunami disaster and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, she provided medical assistance at the scenes. Her eyewitness accounts are compelling and inspiring.

Darren Rovell, sports business reporter for CNBC, became one of the youngest reporters at ESPN when he was hired out of Northwestern at the age of 21. Rovell will give advice on how to break through in the journalism world. His lessons will apply to breaking through in any business.

Bob Vanderhye, an inventor, will talk about why renewable energy isn’t just for the future and the many technologies that are currently available that can greatly improve national health, enhance national security, and create all levels of domestic jobs.

Faculty speakers will include Professor David Scheffer of the School of Law; John Lavine, dean, Medill School of Journalism; Professor Timothy H. Breen of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences; and Professor Steven T. Rosen of the Feinberg School of Medicine, as well as Assistant Professor Rüdiger Seesemann and Professor Carl Smith of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences.

Also speaking will be Eugene S. Sunshine, senior vice president for business and finance.

The registration deadline is April 13. For a complete schedule and registration information, go to www.alumni.northwestern.edu or call the Alumni Education office at (847) 491-7975.