Veteran journalist Bob Schieffer will take the stage for the Maverick Speaker Series at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Texas Hall.
Schieffer began his journalism career in 1957 while he was a student at Texas Christian University. Upon graduating, he served in the U.S. Air Force for three years before returning to North Texas and joining the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Schieffer became the first reporter with a Texas metropolitan newspaper to cover the Vietnam War while at the Star-Telgram, according to UTA’s website.
After leaving print media, he worked at CBS News for 47 years, serving as moderator of the television program “Face the Nation” for 24 years. He has also moderated three presidential debates.
Mark LaVelle, assistant vice president for university events, said Tuesday’s program will be a Q&A session moderated by UTA President Jennifer Cowley.
“We market this very broadly, and in some ways, it’s a way of providing continuing education for people,” LaVelle said.
He said some talking points might include Schieffer’s experience covering the Vietnam War, stories that he has reported on and the importance of the free press and media.
“It’s a very interesting set of experiences that he’s had that I think are relevant to everybody,” LaVelle said.
Admission is free for UTA students, faculty, staff and retirees when purchasing tickets with UTA email. General admission tickets are available for $5.
Aside from the speaker series, UTA Libraries’ Special Collections is hosting an exhibit titled “Our Man in Vietnam,” which showcases four painted portraits Schieffer created based on photographs he took of Texan soldiers in the Vietnam War. Additionally, there will be a selection of letters and photographs taken during the war.
This exhibition will take place on the sixth floor of the Central Library until April 4.
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