UW-Platteville has seen a wide variety of characters pass through their halls as distinguished lecturer over the years. A co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, a firefighter trapped during 9/11 and now an environmental activist and relative to two slain politicians — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been named distinguished lecturer for the spring of 2010. Kennedy will be speaking on Friday, March 26, 2010 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Williams Fieldhouse with the east and west doors opening at 9:30 a.m. for seating.

Aside from being known for his family name, Kennedy is known for his environmental activism and achievements. According to his Web site, he is the Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper program and is president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, both which work to keep water sources of the world clean of pollutants. He has been named one of TIME magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” as well as one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Agents of Change.”

Interim Chancellor Carol Sue Butts, is looking forward to Kennedy’s presentation.

“It is such a privilege to have a man so nationally and internationally known selected to speak, and I’m expecting great attendance from students, staff and community members,” Butts said.

Butts also said that the timing of Kennedy speaking at UW-P could not be better because of the recent addition of the renewable and sustainable energy minor, and the undertaking of developing this minor into a major.
Val Wetzel, assistant director of the Pioneer Student Center, is also eager for Kennedy’s lecture, especially due to the contest that has been implemented into the Q&A session following it.

“Students have the opportunity to submit up to three questions they would like to ask Kennedy,” Wetzel said. “The five best questions will be chosen, and these students will have the privilege of starting the Q&A session, as well as reserved seating, an autographed poster, a picture and lunch with Kennedy.”

To sign up for Kennedy’s Fantastic Five Contest, students must log onto UWPLink by March 5, 2010. While here, students can also nominate candidates for the 2011 distinguished lecturer.

Classes, lessons and labs will be canceled during this time so all students and faculty have the opportunity to attend, and community members are also welcome. A book signing will follow in the PSC Heritage Hall at 11:45 a.m. Two of Kennedy’s published books, including Times’ bestseller Crimes Against Nature and The Riverkeepers: Two Activists Fighting To Reclaim Our Environment As A Basic Human Right, are available in limited quantities in the University Bookstore for purchase.