June 11, 1989 - Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist and author of "A Brief History of Time”, speaking in Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, as part of the Abigail and John Van Vleck lecture series. As Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at England's Cambridge University, Hawking occupies a chair once held by Isaac Newton. Hawking is renowned for his theories of black holes and the structure of space-time. He found that black holes - dense objects with gravity so strong even light can't escape - emit radiation just outside the boundary beyond which nothing can overcome the pull of gravity. He also initiated the concept that the continuity of space-time breaks down at infinitesimally small distances. Hawking has suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and now speaks about 10 words a minute with the aid of a computer voice synthesizer. By preparing speeches in advance, however, he can "speak" at a normal rate, although with an American accent.
June 20, 1989 - Rev. Jesse Jackson giving keynote address at the annual Minnesota Bar Association. Jackson’s speech was titled "The Future of Justice in America: Lawyers as Agents of Change."
August 15, 1989 - Sara Evans, director of the Center for Advanced Feminist Study at the University of Minnesota and author, speaking at St. Olaf College in Northfield, as part of a conference called, "Re-visioning the Curriculum". Evan’s address was on the topic of the importance of integrating the history of women into school curriculum. Following speech, Evans answered audience questions. Sara Evans is author of "Born for Liberty: A History of Women in America", and co-authored "Wage Justice" with Barbara Nelson, which is a study of comparable worth in Minnesota.
August 21, 1989 - Gary Bauer, president of the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C., speaking at a recent forum sponsored by the Berean League in Crystal, Minnesota. Bauer addresses the topic of family and religious values. In the Reagan administration, Gary Bauer was Undersecretary of Education. While at the Department of Education, he was chairman of the administration working group which issued a report called, "The Family: Preserving America's Future". He later worked in the White House Domestic Policy Office, serving as an advisor to President Reagan.
August 21, 1989 - Werner Fornos, president of the Population Institute in Washington, D.C., speaking at the Minnesota Press Club. Fornos’s address was titled “A World of 5 Billion: What Are Its Implications?" After speech, Fornos answered audience questions.
August 25, 1989 - Lee Atwater, chairman of the Republican National Committee, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Atwater talks political campaigns, and his role in helping elect George Bush to President of the United States. Following speech, Atwater answers listener questions. At end of program, Pat Forciea, who ran Dukakis campaign in Minnesota, provides a follow-up commentary. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
September 14, 1989 - David Kearns, chair and CEO of Xerox, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Kearns’ address was on the topic "Winning the Brain Race: A Bold Plan to Make Our Schools Competitive." He talks about education restructuring and a future world-class workforce. Following speech, Kearns answers listener questions. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
September 28, 1989 - Elizabeth Dole, U.S. secretary of labor, speaking to the National Conference of Editorial Writers at the St. Paul Hotel. Dole addresses her plans for the Department of Labor. Elizabeth Dole also served the Reagan presidency as Secretary of Transportation. She has had a long career in public service, including posts with the Office of Consumer Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission.
September 28, 1989 - Tom Foley, Washington State U.S. representative and Speaker of the House, speaking to the National Conference of Editorial Writers at the St. Paul Hotel. Foley addresses issues facing the Congress. Tom Foley was elected Speaker after Jim Wright resigned.
October 3, 1989 - Al Checchi, new owner of Northwest Airlines, speaking to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Checchi’s address was on his personal and business values, and the challenges ahead for Northwest Airlines.