Author Robert Dilenschneider to speak at Fairfield University about America's moral and economic decline

Author Robert Dilenschneider to speak at Fairfield University about America's moral and economic decline


Robert Dilenschneider Breakfast for area business leaders sponsored by Fairfield University and CAPP

America is losing its status as a world power with a loss of its economic and moral leadership and faces the prospect of decline like other great civilizations, from ancient Athens to the Roman Empire, according to Darien author Robert L. Dilenschneider, who has written a dozen books on leadership and power.

Dilenschneider, founder of The Dilenschneider Group, a strategic communications consulting firm, will deliver the keynote address entitled, "We Have Just About Run Out of Time," at an annual breakfast for area business leaders and professionals at Fairfield University on Sunday, November 7. Before Dilenschneider's talk, the Most Reverend William Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, will celebrate mass at 9 a.m. in Fairfield University's Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola. The mass will then be followed by the breakfast in the Oak Room, in the Barone Campus Center on the Fairfield campus, where Dilenschneider will speak. Open to the public, seating for the event is limited. Individual tickets are $45. Please respond by October 29. To register online, visit www.fairfield.edu/commbkfst10. For more information, contact Cindy Russo at (203) 254-4000, ext. x2927, or crusso@fairfield.edu .

The moral implications of America's decline are tremendous, Dilenschneider says, citing a recent poll by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion that shows more than half of young people ages 19 to 29 do not have confidence in America's leaders and almost two-thirds believe the country is headed in the wrong direction when it comes to values. "Each civilization fell because it did not get a handle on its problems. Its people, despite calls to step up, became weak and lazy and eventually incapable of defending themselves," he said.

The event is being co-sponsored by Fairfield University's Center for Faith and Public Life and the Fairfield County Chapter of Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice ("CAPP"), a lay-led Vatican organization founded by Pope John Paul II for education and evangelization of Catholic social doctrine through business, professional and academic leaders.

Dilenschneider has been a public relations professional for more than 40 years. Experienced in a number of communications disciplines, he is frequently called upon by the media to provide commentary and strategic public relations insights on major news stories. He has counseled major corporations, professional groups, trade associations and educational institutions, and has assisted clients in dealings with regulatory agencies, labor unions, consumer groups, minorities, and others.

In October 1991, he founded The Dilenschneider Group, which provides communications services in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions, and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media. Prior to forming his own firm, Dilenschneider worked with Hill and Knowlton, Inc. for nearly 25 years, including serving as president and chief executive officer from 1986 to 1991. As CEO, he succeeded in tripling the firm's revenues to nearly $200 million and delivering more than $30 million in profit.

Dilenschneider is widely published and the author of several books, including A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, Moses: C.E.O, The Critical 2 nd Phase of your Professional Life, 50 Plus! - Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life, A Time for Heroes, Power and Influence: The Rules Have Changed, and his latest, The AMA Handbook Of Public Relations.

The mission of the sponsoring organizations is to increase the awareness, understanding and implementation of Catholic Social Teaching ("CST") so participants in the public arena are prepared to engage in an active and constructive dialogue about important issues of the day. William Fox is president of the CAPP Fairfield County Chapter.

Catholic Social Teaching, considered by some to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Church, is a set of principles for reflection to evaluate the framework of society and to provide criteria for prudential judgment and direction for current policy and action. The primary cornerstones are the inherent Dignity of the Human Person, Solidarity and Subsidiarity.

Responding to the growing global awareness of the influence of religion on public affairs and fostering its Jesuit philosophy, Fairfield University created the Center for Faith and Public Life in November 2005, naming Rev. Richard Ryscavage, S.J, as director. The Center sponsors a cross-disciplinary forum for students, scholars, policy makers and religious leaders to converse and reflect on the many issues where religion intersects with civic life. The Center acts as a focal point where local, national, and international activities that link faith and public life may be addressed, including such eminent issues as immigration, politics and religion, and civic engagement.

Contact: Joe Pisani, The Dilenschneider Group, (212) 922-0900
William Fox, President CAPP Fairfield County Chapter, (203) 862-8914

Posted On: 09-29-2010 10:09 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 60