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December 11, 2009

Pulitzer Prize winning author addresses students in master class at ULM

Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman participated in a master class Wednesday, Dec. 9, where he fielded questions from University of Louisiana at Monroe students and faculty members following his public lecture Tuesday night. The talk was an informal opportunity for students to discuss concepts and ideas that Friedman had touched on in the previous night’s lecture.

Friedman visited the campus this week as part of the Presidential Lyceum Series, begun in 2003 to promote intellectual exchange among ULM students, faculty, staff and the community.

The students, most who are enrolled in political science or communications courses, asked questions on issues ranging from climate change to globalization. Drs. Josh Stockley and John Sutherlin, both assistant professors of political science, and Dr. Kevin Unter, assistant professor and department head in political science, facilitated the open discussion.

“Mr. Friedman is one of the foremost experts in this field, having traveled and written extensively on these issues.” Unter said. “Having someone of his stature and expertise make himself available to our students to answer their questions regarding his body of work presented our students with one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities.”

Friedman discussed how changing habits and laws now can prevent economic and environmental troubles stemming from the growing competition for energy around the world.

“Mr. Friedman was engaging, very friendly and inspirational,” Unter added. “His zeal for a green revolution was made plain to the students and it is my fervent hope that students here at ULM will heed his message and play an innovative role regardless of their major.”

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