Open VISIONS Forum Lecture Series
8 p.m., Monday, October 1, 2012
Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts captures the climate of the political season at 8 p.m. on Monday, October 1, 2012, when it presents Dana Perino and Donna Brazile, two high-powered Washington insiders from opposite sides of the aisle. Their presentation, "America at the Crossroads: Election 2012," is Fairfield University's Seventh Annual Students Forum and the next installment in the Quick Center's 2012-2013 signature lecture series, Open VISIONS Forum. Moffly Media is the exclusive magazine sponsor for the 2012-13 Open VISIONS Forum series. Other sponsors for this event are: Connecticut Humanities Council, TVEyes, and Maritime Chevrolet/Maritime Motors. Single tickets: $45.

Dana Perino served as White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush and is a nationally renowned media strategist and an active participant in the national political debate. As White House Press Secretary, Dana was only the second woman and first Republican woman to hold the position. Previously, she worked for the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Department of Justice. She has also worked for Reps. Dan Schaefer (R-CO) and Scott McInnis (R-CO).

Dana is a popular contributor to Fox News, appearing regularly on programs like Hannity , Fox and Friends , and America's Newsroom . She is a sought-after public speaker and frequent author of opinion pieces on FoxNews.com, National Review , and Politico . An experienced Washington insider with a unique ability to connect with Americans outside the beltway, Dana is highly regarded on both sides of the aisle for her outstanding communications skills and thoughtful approach to political decision making.

Dana was appointed to the Broadcasting Board of Governors by President Obama and helps oversee all U.S. broadcast services, including Voice of America . She has developed a unique interest in the areas of women's rights and maternal health, especially in Africa. Dana is a founder of "Minute Mentoring," an organization focused on giving professional guidance to young women starting their careers. She serves as the Editorial Director of Crown Forum, the conservative imprint of Crown Publishing Group. She is president of Dana Perino and Company, a consulting firm she founded in 2009.

Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile is an adjunct professor, author, syndicated columnist, and the Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee. Ms. Brazile began her political career at the age of nine when she worked to support the campaign of a city council candidate who promised to build a playground in her neighborhood. Four decades and innumerable state and local campaigns later, she has worked on every presidential campaign from 1976 through 2000, when she served as presidential campaign manager for former Vice President Al Gore.

Author of the best-selling autobiography "Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics," Ms. Brazile is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. In the media, she serves as a political contributor on CNN, consultant to ABC News, regularly appearing commentator on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos , and frequent contributor to NPR's News and Notes . In print and online, she is a columnist for Roll Call and Ms Magazine. Washingtonian named Ms. Brazile one of the '100 most powerful women' and Essence named her one of the top 50 women in America. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has bestowed upon her its award for political achievement.

Prior to serving as Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation, Ms. Brazile dedicated herself to strengthening the American democratic process as chair of the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute, established in 2001 to help protect and promote the rights of all American citizens to participate in the electoral process. Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco appointed Ms. Brazile, a New Orleans native, a member of the board of directors of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the guiding agency charged with leading the state's rebuilding process in the aftermath of two catastrophic hurricanes. Brazile is also founder and managing director of Brazile & Associates LLC, a general consulting, grassroots advocacy, and training firm based in Washington, D.C.

As part of the Seventh Annual Students Forum , the lecture will feature a panel of Fairfield University students who will be participating in a Q/A portion of the program. "As both speakers come from differing political ideologies, each with their own expanse of knowledge and experience in the political arena, I am very excited at the opportunity to initiate dialogue between these two figures," said Martin O'Sullivan '13 Editor-in-Chief of The Mirror, adding: "Everyone who attends will surely walk away with their beliefs expanded, challenged, and affirmed." Matthew Morrissey '13 , Fairfield University College Republicans President, said: "I look forward to a lively discussion with such well known figures in the political sphere. I am sure that their insight will allow those who attend the event to leave with a clear picture of not only the candidates but also the issues facing our great nation today." Jillian Delaney '15 , Co-President for the College Democrats, said: "I am very honored to have the rare opportunity to speak with two women who are so prominent in the political world. The fact that this will be the only presidential election during my college years makes this experience even more special." Student Jordan J. Freeman '13 notes: "I believe during this crucial election year Fairfield made a great decision to invite these two speakers to the Open VISIONS Forum. The two very distinguished women bring a wealth of experience that will most certainly foster a healthy and fruitful debate. As a Senior Politics Major I look forward to this major event." And Student Body President Robert Vogel '13 added: "It will truly be an honor to have two such highly successful women coming to our campus, especially during this very intense election season. It will serve as a great opportunity for students to hear from these two and stir up engagement in this conversation of the crossroads we are at as a nation. "

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com

Posted On: 09-26-2012 11:09 AM

Volume: 45 Number: 58