Talk is part of URI’s Honors Colloquium

KINGSTON, R.I. –November 3, 2010 – Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, N.J. will speak at the University of Rhode Island Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. His lecture, “How to Change the World With Your Bare Hands,” will be delivered in Edwards Auditorium, 64 Upper College Road, Kingston. The talk, free and open to the public, is part of the University’s ongoing Honors Colloquium on RACE.

Known for his innovative ideas and bold actions, Booker took the oath of office in 2006, and immediately rolled up his sleeves to transform Newark by marshalling its resources to achieve security, economic health, and a nurturing environment for New Jersey’s largest city.

By 2008, Newark led the nation among large cities in reductions of shootings and murders, achieving decreases of more than 40 percent in both categories. Under Booker’s leadership, Newark committed $40 million to transform its parks and playgrounds through an innovative public/private partnership.

Most recently, Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive and a founder of Facebook, donated $100 million to improve Newark’s long troubled schools. Gov. Chris Christie agreed to cede some of the control of the state-run system to Newark’s mayor in conjunction with the gift. The schools have been under state control since 1995. Despite the 15 years of state control, Newark schools have test scores and graduation rates among the lowest in the state. The Republican governor and the Democratic mayor will work together to transform the city’s education system.

Known as an inspiring speaker, Booker will bring his passion for social change and equality to the URI podium. Sharing stories informed by real life, he inspires audiences to take greater civic responsibility.

“Booker is a young and dynamic rising star in big city politics with a strong potential for national politics as well. He has taken on the huge problems of the city of Newark, and has maintained his popularity while doing so,” said Gail Faris, assistant director of student life and the women’s center and one of the coordinators of the colloquium. “He’s definitely someone to watch in the political circle.”

For a complete, up-to-date schedule of the colloquium, visit www.uri.edu/hc. For further information, contact Deborah Gardiner at 401.874.2303 or deg@uri.edu. For information about ways to support the Honors Colloquium, contact Tom Zorabedian at 401.874.2853 or zman@foundation.uri.edu.

Major Sponsors:

Honors program, Office of the Provost, College of Arts and Sciences, Richard and Jean Harrington and the Harrington School of Communication and Media, Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, College of Engineering, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, College of Human Science and Services, Office of the President.

Sustaining Sponsors:

The Mark and Donna Ross Honors Colloquium Humanities Endowment, the Thomas Silva and Shannon Chandley Honors Colloquium Endowment.

Sponsors:

Division of University Advancement, College of Business Administration, College of Pharmacy, Department of Communication Studies, Center for Students Leadership Development, Office of the Dean of Students, Women’s Studies Program, Athletics, Multicultural Center, Office of the Vice President of Administration and Finance, Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, University College – Phi Eta Sigma, Department of Kinesiology.