New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof to deliver annual Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lectureship at Fairfield University October 24 | Press Releases

Nicholas Kristof, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist at The New York Times , will deliver this year's Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lecture at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. This annual lecture is presented under the auspices of the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies in collaboration with Open VISIONS Forum of University College.

Throughout his exceptional career, a large body Kristof's columns and his other writings have focused on vital social problems such as global health, poverty and gender issues in the developing world. In recognition of his efforts to boost public awareness of monumental but often under-reported situations, he has been chosen this year's Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lecturer. The Frank Jacoby Foundation sponsors this lectureship.

Acknowledging the qualities for which Kristof was selected for the lectureship, Ellen M. Umansky, the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Professor of Judaic Studies, said recently, "The great knowledge, passion and personal commitment that Nicholas Kristof brings to the subject of Darfur promises to educate and inspire all of us fortunate to hear him speak at Fairfield University."

The title of Kristof's talk is "Darfur - Making a Difference." Since 2004, he has written dozens of columns about Darfur and has visited the area more than eight times. His second Pulitzer was awarded in 2006 for commentary for what the judges called "his graphic, deeply reported columns that, at personal risk, focused attention on genocide in Darfur and that gave voice to the voiceless in other parts of the world."

Kristof has lived on four continents, reported on six and traveled to 120 countries, plus all 50 states, every Chinese province and every main Japanese island. Since joining The New York Times in 1984, he has served as a Times correspondent in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo.

As a student at Harvard and a young journalist at The Crimson, Kristof pursued a story with an aptitude for in-depth reporting that has been likened to his early reports on Darfur at The Times . Describing the youthful reporter's tenacity and ability to connect the dots to a story's importance, former Crimson president, William McKibben ‘82, explained, "He dug into a question ... when it didn't seem to anyone at the moment to be of the absolute top urgency, and he showed over and over again why it was important."

Kristof took an early interest in web journalism and was the first blogger on The New York Times website. His blog, "On the Ground," addresses readers' comments and posts frequent updates on his trips and the issues that shape his perspective. It is found at The New York Times website's Opinion page. Kristof is currently on book leave from The Times .

Tickets are $45 and are available online at the Open VISIONS Forum website, www.fairfield.edu/openvisions or by calling the Quick Center Box Office at (203) 254-4010. The toll free number is 1-877-ARTS-396. For further information, please visit the Quick Center website at www.quickcenter.com.