Journalist Bob Woodward to Launch New Distinguished Lecture Series

Bob Woodward, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist best known for his coverage of the Watergate scandal, will speak about the importance of a free press and investigative journalism on February 22 as part of a new distinguished lecture series at Kean University. The event is free and open to the public.

An associate editor of The Washington Post and best-selling author, Woodward is widely regarded as one of the best journalists in the nation’s history and is the ideal person to launch the new lecture series, said Kean President Dawood Farahi, Ph.D.

“With so much economic, social and cultural change going on in our country and our world today, it is essential to engage our students and others in a dialogue about democracy,” Farahi said. “We want to bring the best minds to campus, so people can be exposed to new ideas and opinions.”

Woodward came into the national spotlight more than four decades ago when he earned his first Pulitzer Prize with Carl Bernstein for their coverage of the Watergate scandal. He earned a second Pulitzer in 2002 for his coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Throughout his career, he has authored 18 national best-selling books, including All the President’s Men about the Watergate break-in and cover-up. The award-winning movie of the same name is preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance.

“Kean students who study journalism, communication, history and political science will be especially thrilled to see such a national figure speak,” Farahi said, “and all of us can appreciate and learn from his work. “

Additional speakers for the lecture series will be announced in the coming weeks.

Woodward is scheduled to speak at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 22 at STEM Auditorium, 1075 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083. Doors open at 4 p.m. Admission is free but seating is limited and will be first come, first served. Free parking is available next to the building.

Serving as moderator of the event is Terry Golway, a senior editor at POLITICO States and a former history and journalism professor at Kean University. Golway also is the author of more than a dozen books.

Following his speech, Woodward will sign copies of All the President’s Men and meet with guests at Ursino Steakhouse & Tavern, also in the STEM building. Admission to that event is $50, which includes light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and a copy of the book. For advance reservations, please visit www.kean.edu/woodward.