January 15, 2020

Judge Joe J. Fisher Distinguished Lecture Series Committee

Notes for January 15, 2020 Meeting

 11:00 a.m., Reaud Conference Rm. 312

Members present:  Joe Nordgren, Dean Terrebonne, Grayson Meek, Shelly Vitanza, Juan Zabala, Berna Tokgoz, Trina Nolen, Marleen Swerdlow, Ashley Dockens, Edward Doan, and Freddie Titus

Members unable to attend: Kate Downing, Buddy Low, Pat Heintzelman, Mark Mengerink, Jim Westgate, Heather Reading, and Robert Spina

Introductions and Dean Terrebonne provided a brief update since the last meeting, July 8, 2019.

• Cokie Roberts declined invitation August 26, and later died September 17.
• Bob Schieffer accepted invitation August 28, contract executed September 9 and deposit of $39,625 (1/2 Speaker Honorarium) received by Harry Walker Agency (HWA) September 25.
• March 9, 2020 is confirmed scheduled date for the Lecture Event.
• The following venues have been reserved for the event’s proposed components:

• • The Science Auditorium – Students’ Q&A
  • University Event Center (8^th Floor) – By Invitation, Cocktail Reception and Dinner
  • The University Theatre – Event – Open to the Public
  • The Dishman Art Museum – Reception Following

• December 17 - Informed by HWA Bob Schieffer unable to honor contract due to physician’s advisement not to travel.
• Immediately contacted Buddy Low to reach out to Fisher family for two additional Speaker Candidates to extend invitations. Family approved Ron Chernow and John Dickerson.  Ron Chernow not accepting speaker engagements in 2020 until completion of his new book on Mark Twain. Extended invitation to John Dickerson December 18, pending approval of 60 Minutes.
• January 13, 2020 – HWA advised 60 Minutes approved John Dickerson’s speaking engagement on March 9.

Shelly Vitanza shared a proposed Media and Marketing Plan, consisting of possible components (pending HWA approval):

• 3/9/20 John Dickerson on KFDM Morning Show with Dan Gresham
• 3/9/20 Round Table Discussion with John Dickerson and Reporters from KFDM/Fox, KBMT, Beaumont Enterprise, The Examiner, Port Arthur News, UP, KLVI
• Student drawing for reserved parking – to encourage attendance (Dean reached out to Diane Drawhorn and Parking Office)
• Promo for poli-sci and communication students to attend
• Personal e-vites for local political leaders
• Social media contest to guess speaker – promote awareness
• John Dickerson to provide VIP Book signing – LU to pre-purchase books

 Committee Discussion – The following ideas were presented by various members for consideration/development:

• Student parking drawing – Student Forum or Lecture Event? – Both. Two entries for drawing
• Consider adding Podcast – request John Dickerson to participate
• Perhaps have Larry Beaulieu interview John Dickerson
• Mail out to poli-sci alumni – perhaps journalism and communication grads as well
• Reach out to area high school counselors regarding competitive student groups who might be interested/encouraged to attend.
• Reach out to Press Club, Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Business Bureau, Rotary, Political Party offices and local Bar Association to publicize to their respective constituents, as “This does something for our community.”
• Utilize Honors students as ushers rather than LU Ambassadors, since they earn points for doing so.
• The Fisher Lecture Series Medallion – Dean to confirm location and availability.
• Transportation – golf carts (weather permitting), LUPD Shuttles, parking egress, possible need for VIP reserved parking spaces?

Jim Westgate recently retired.  Dean will facilitate the process for President Evans to appoint another representative from the College of Arts and Sciences, as per the Committee Charge, to complete Dr. Westgate’s term (Fall 2018-Summer 2021).

Dean shared that Pat Heintzelman offered to take photographs again to provide a picture book for the Fisher family, if desired.

Upon receiving approval from HWA of John Dickerson’s participation in the Media and Marketing Plan, the next meeting will be called.