Webster University's Holden Public Policy Forum Announces Event Lineup for Spring 2010

Webster University's Holden Public Policy Forum will hold a series of events during the spring semester to discuss important topics facing Missouri with key members of the Nixon administration and other state leaders. All events are free and open to the public; free pizza will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.webster.edu/HoldenPPF or call Jaclyn Stewart Strothman, 314-246-8792.

The spring 2010 lineup kicks off on Wednesday, Jan. 20 with a “State of the State Address Watch Party” featuring discussion and analysis of Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon’s State of the State address. Commentary from former Mo. First Lady Betty Hearnes, Webster University professors, local media consultants and Gov. Bob Holden will be provided before and after the address. The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Webster University Center-Sunnen Lounge, 175 Edgar Rd.

Throughout the spring, the Holden Public Policy Forum also will hold a series of five “Pizza and Politics” events. These town hall-style meetings. moderated by Forum founder and former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden, bring together public policy makers, members of the community and students to discuss the political process and key issues of the day. The spring 2010 lineup includes:

Pizza & Politics with Mo. Dept. of Health & Senior Services Director Margaret Donnelly

Wednesday, Feb. 3

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Webster University Center - Sunnen Lounge

175 Edgar Rd.

Webster Groves, MO 63119

Expert discussion from Mo. Dept. of Health & Senior Services Director Margaret Donnelly: How will students, baby boomers and seniors fare under a national health care plan? Is swine flu over? How do we increase access to medical coverage for all Missourians and for the elderly in particular? What reforms need to be made to Missouri’s Medicaid program? Come and ask the director!

Pizza & Politics with Mo. Dept. of Economic Development Director David Kerr

Wednesday, Feb. 17

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Webster University Center - Sunnen Lounge

175 Edgar Rd.

Webster Groves, MO 63119

Expert discussion from the Director of the Mo. Dept. of Economic Development David Kerr:  How is the department stimulating and supporting economic security, opportunity, growth and a high quality of life in Missouri? What is the state doing to strengthen its economic standing in the Midwest and abroad? Come and ask the director.

Pizza & Politics with U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt

Wednesday, March 31

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Emerson Library Conference Room

101 Edgar Rd.

Webster Groves, MO 63119

Expert discussion from U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt. (Blunt represents southwestern Missouri in Congress the nation’s House of Representatives; he also is running for Sen. Bond’s seat in 2010.) Come hear the Congressman speak on the state of affairs in Washington D.C., what it means for Missouri, the Midwest and the nation, and his current efforts on the campaign trail.

Pizza and Politics with Mo. Commissioner for Education Chris Nicastro

Wednesday, April 14

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Webster University Center – Sunnen Lounge

175 Edgar Rd.

Webster Groves, MO 63119

Expert discussion from the Mo. Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro: What would parental choice mean for the public school system? What will budget cuts mean for Missouri schools? How does Missouri compare with the nation in regard to graduation rates, dropout rates and rankings? Come and ask the director.

Pizza and Politics with the Mo. Supreme Court

Wednesday, April 28

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Webster University Center – Sunnen Lounge

175 Edgar Rd.

Webster Groves, MO 63119

Expert discussion from the judges of the Missouri Supreme Court. The four-judge panel of Mary Russell, Laura Stith, Richard Teitelman and Michael Wolff accounts for more than 130 years of combined legal and judicial experience. Hear their views on the judicial nomination and confirmation process, how courts function with other branches of government and the press, the imposition of the death penalty, and national issues such as Guantanamo Bay, and legal issues surrounding the war on terror.

The Holden Public Policy Forum at Webster University is a bi-partisan speaker series, created by former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden and Webster University to bring public policy leaders to St. Louis to discuss key national and international issues. For more information about the Holden Public Policy Forum, visit www.webster.edu/HoldenPPF.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

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