Open VISIONS Forum kicks-off the 2007-08 season at Fairfield University with Pulitzer-Prize-winning author David McCullough | Press Releases

The widely-respected scholar and multiple prize-winning author, David McCullough, will appear at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, as the first speaker of the 2007-08 season for University College's Open VISIONS Forum (OVF) on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Fairfield Museum and History Center as part of a burgeoning partnership with the university.

Dr. Philip Eliasoph, director and moderator of Open VISIONS Forum, welcomes McCullough's solid perspective on America's global challenges in today's volatile atmosphere: "With so many questions looming in the air - the fate of democracy, the impact of religious values, and the destiny of our nation facing fierce global challenges - Mr. McCullough will offer us a perfect kick-off event."

A gifted speaker and a towering figure in the hierarchy of biographers expert in American history, McCullough has been called a "master of the art of narrative history." His books have been praised for their exceptional narrative sweep, their scholarship and insight into American life and for their literary distinction.

During his significant writing career, he has been the recipient of a host of major literary awards, among them, the National Book Award – twice - and the prestigious Francis Parkman Prize - twice - as well as Pulitzer Prizes for both "John Adams" and his monumental "Truman."

"We are very pleased to join with the Fairfield Museum and Historical Center in our shared mission of creating dynamic learning environments," said Dr. Edna Farace Wilson, dean of University College. "And," she continued, "we are particularly pleased to fuse our goals once again by co-sponsoring with the museum, such a distinguished historian as Mr. McCullough in our first Open VISIONS Forum lecture of the season."

In a crowded and productive career, McCullough has been an editor, essayist, teacher, lecturer and familiar presence on public television – as host of "Smithsonian World" and "The American Experience," as well as narrator of numerous documentaries including "The Civil War" and "Napoleon." He is revered as an historian and is a past president of the Society of American Historians.

The OVF series continues with Nicholas Kristof, "The New York Times" Columnist on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $50 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.