Focus on history highlights Simon Institute fall 2018 lineup

As Illinois celebrates its 200th anniversary and gears up for high-stakes state and national elections this fall, SIU's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute has developed a program of speakers that focuses on Illinois history and the role of leadership in our state and nation.

"During this bicentennial anniversary year for Illinois and with serious leadership challenges evident in both Springfield and Washington, D.C., the Institute has invited speakers who illuminate our state's history and underscore the need for elevated leadership in all realms of our public life," said John. T. Shaw, Institute director.

The Institute's fall agenda includes the following events:

• Sept. 10, 5 p.m., Paul Simon Public Policy Institute: "Pizza and Politics" with Pamela Smoot, clinical assistant professor, history. Lecture on "Surprising Heroes and Inspiring Voices in Illinois History."

• Sept 17, 5 p.m., Paul Simon Public Policy Institute: "Pizza and Politics" with State Rep. Will Davis, D-Hazel Crest. Rep. Davis will give a lecture on "Illinois' Current Challenges."

• Sept. 26, 7 p.m., Student Center, Auditorium, Morton-Kenney Public Affairs Lecture: Ira Shapiro, author of "The Last Great Senate" and "Broken: Can the Senate Save Itself and the Country?" A former U.S. trade ambassador and expert on international trade law and policy, Shapiro will present "Where Have All the Statesmen and Stateswomen Gone?"

• Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Student Center Ballroom B: Sam Wheeler, Illinois State historian. Wheeler will give a lecture on "Statesmanship in Illinois History."

• Oct. 24, 6 p.m., Student Center, Ballroom A: Jim Nowlan, author and former state representative. Nowlan will give a lecture on "Illinois' Hard Half Century and the Way Ahead."

• Nov. 5, 5 p.m., Paul Simon Public Policy Institute: "Pizza and Politics" with Tom Desch, filmmaker and 2002 SIU Carbondale graduate in cinema and photography. Desch will give a lecture on "Telling Stories that Endure."

Call 618-453-4078 or visit paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu.</group><group id="D6E10D26-F951-4F83-8A1E-58E156CC94E4" type="seoLabels"><seoLabels>