William J. Bennett comes to Fairfield University's Open VISIONS Forum of University College November 5 | Press Releases

Known to millions of Americans as a political conservative with strong, reasoned convictions who speaks candidly, eloquently and honestly about many of the most important issues of our time, William J. Bennett brings his highly-educated and stimulating point of view to the stage of Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts as a guest of the popular Open VISIONS Forum (OVF) of University College on Monday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. The lecture is co-sponsored by Somerset Capital.

In the pursuit of 'lifelong learning,' Dr. Philip Eliasoph, director and initiator of the OVF series asserts that "the effective use of time is an essential element in 'living intelligently.'" He maintains that a goal such as this can be "achieved by taking time to explore the genesis of the 'clash of ideas'" and by taking the risk of opening one's mind to well-researched and deeply thoughtful - and, possibly differing - opinions.

Bennett is recognized as one of America's most influential and respected voices on a wide variety of topics. He has earned this respect by his vast experience as co-director of Empower America, as a former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities and Secretary of Education under President Reagan. In addition, he has carved out a prominent place on the airwaves as host of the popular and informative daily radio show, "Bill Bennett's Morning in America." He is a past Distinguished Fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

Although he is a well-known Republican, he has a proven record of bi-partisan cooperation when pursuing important common purposes. He is the co-chairman of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America with former New York Governor Mario Cuomo and he has joined other Democratic leaders in the fight for an end to worldwide religious persecution.

Bennett's recently published two-volume history of the United States, entitled: "America: The Last Best Hope," Volumes 1 and 2, was a New York Times bestseller and his two books "of Virtues" for adults and for children rank among the most successful of the past decade. "The Book of Virtues" has been made into an animated series that airs on PBS in the United States and Great Britain and has been seen in more than 65 countries.

Among his many honors, Bennett was named the "Best Communicator of 2002" by focus groups and leading analysts. His writings and the speeches he has made over the years have contributed to the extraordinary influence he wields over America's political and social landscape.

Coming next on the Open VISIONS Forum schedule is Lou Dobbs, Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 8:30 p.m.

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 1-877-396-ARTS. For further information, please visit the Quick Center website at www.quickcenter.com.