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Speaker Series
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Brockovich,
Cronkite, Kissinger, Ambrose, Quindlen, Reiner and Holbrooke to
headline 2001-2002 St. Louis Speakers Series.
By Dorothy F. Weiner
It’s hard to imagine the Walter Cronkites and Henry Kissingers of
the world taking much notice of St. Louis, but apparently the word
is out: St. Louisans make great audiences.
Now launching its fourth season, the St. Louis Speakers Series presented
by Maryville University has brought some of the greatest personalities
of our time here—and they like coming here. “It’s true. We’re developing
a reputation among speakers,” says the series’ president, Bill Conrow.
“They say St. Louis is a very enthusiastic audience, and I know
in at least one instance last season, the speaker responded to our
offer only because he’d heard what a wonderful audience St. Louisans
are.”
Whenever he is asked about the Series, Dr. Keith Lovin, president
of Maryville University, conveys the kind of enthusiasm the speakers
must have been so impressed with. “The Series reads like a Who’s
Who of master minds,” Lovin says enthusiastically. “We embrace the
chance to hear and learn from the great social, philosophical and
political commentators of our era. And it’s only fitting that Maryville
be associated with these high-powered intellectuals. We are, after
all, in the business of ideas.”
With the number of subscriptions increasing each year, the 2001-2002
season is expected to fill 2,400 seats. Conrow reports that the
reserved seats have been sold out since shortly after tickets went
on sale in April, and more than 85 percent of current subscribers
have already renewed.
Seventeen front rows are assigned-seating, with subscriptions costing
$329 each for the seven-speaker series. The other seats are open
seating, at a price of $228 each. Tickets are sold only for the
entire series, but prices are pro-rated for subscriptions purchased
after the series has begun.
Longtime subscribers consistently report a sense of inspiration
and intellectual stimulation after hearing the speakers. Each presentation
has been met with a standing ovation, Conrow reports, and some have
elicited two ovations.
“There’s something totally exciting about being there,” says mortgage
broker John Frank. “I like listening to people’s ideas and thoughts.
These speakers keep your mind moving all the time. You know in business,
it’s very important to keep yourself out of a rut.” Frank reports
that he and his wife prepare for the speakers by familiarizing themselves
with their writings. “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, even the questions
people ask,” he says. After each presentation, the speaker addresses
questions submitted by the audience, which then gets real insight
into each speaker in a spontaneous situation.
Subscriber Lon Zimmerman, who is in the market research business,
has enjoyed each season. “I am so delighted that St. Louis was selected
as the venue for this series. It adds a level of intellectual opportunity
that did not exist here previously. To hear and see and touch in
some way the greatest minds and leaders of the world—well that’s
a lot more important to me than the Rams.”
The series is attractive to professionals and businesspersons, in
part, Zimmerman proposes, because, “The art of business is the art
of being able to communicate with different people and understand
different points of view.” What better way to do that than to listen
to speakers as diverse as George Will and Robert Kennedy Jr.? Zimmerman
asks. “I may not agree with Kennedy about the environment, for example,
but I want to understand where people of his ilk are coming from.”
Lovin and Conrow are gratified by the overwhelming feedback they
get from subscribers, who don’t hesitate to share their reactions
to speakers. In fact, prior to choosing a season’s speakers, the
subscribers are queried on whom they would like in the lineup. “It
has been great getting subscriber feedback,” Conrow says. “St. Louisans
are not just enthusiastic; the e-mails I get are even possessive.
I find it quite pleasing.”
All performances are on Thursday evenings at Powell Hall. The 2001-2002
season will feature: whistle-blower Erin Brockovich, Oct. 4; anchorman
Walter Cronkite, Nov. 1; Nobel Laureate and statesman Henry Kissinger,
Dec. 6; historian and author Stephen Ambrose, Jan. 31; Pulitzer
Prize winning columnist Anna Quindlen, March 7; Emmy Award winning
writer and producer Carl Reiner, April 4; and former U.N. Ambassador
Richard Holbrooke. For ticket information, call 314/533-7888.
Dorothy F. Weiner is editor-in-chief, Ladue News.
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