The first lady of the press to speak at Mt. SAC
Agnes Radomski
Issue date: 9/25/07 Section: News
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Presented by Mt. SAC and the Mt. SAC Foundation, "The First Lady of the Press" will kick off the new lecture series. Thomas will speak on Oct. 22 from 9 to 9:45 am at the Sophia B. Clarke Theatre with two programs featured each year.
"We are interested in bringing people to campus that play a significant role on the world stage," said Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Stephen Runnebohm. "It's very important to not only hear, but see and interact with them. We want to bring the author of ideas of change to campus."
Thomas is a highly recognizable figure in the world of journalism. Often sitting in the front row at White House Press conferences, Thomas is known for hard-line questions.
"She's a dogged reporter who has covered the White House for many years. She's a legend. She doesn't back down from asking tough questions," said Professor of Journalism at Mt. SAC Rosa Santana.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to hear her speak firsthand and to learn more about her contributions to journalism," she said.
Thomas started her career in journalism working as a copygirl for the Washington Daily News and joined United Press International (UPI) in 1943.
Thomas spent 57 years with UPI. Starting in 1960, Thomas began covering John F. Kennedy as a UPI correspondent. It was during that period she became famous for her tagline, "thank you Mr. President."
Thomas also traveled around the world with several other presidents including Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Thomas was the only female journalist to travel with President Richard Nixon on his trip to China in 1976.
Thomas is currently a columnist for Hearst newspapers and her name continues to be well- known among professionals alike.
"When I think of media as the fourth estate, I think of Helen Thomas," said Tony Fellow, chair of the communications department at Cal State Fullerton. "In an era where the press has been silenced and is silent, providing about as little leadership as our current president and the Congress, Helen hasn't been silent.
"She is an indefatigable journalist who tells and writes it like it is. Whether you like her or not, you have to admire and respect her," he said.
Having spent time with her on numerous occasions, Fellow said that she is among the most decent of human beings.
"She, along with Bill Moyers, is one of the important American journalists today," he added.
Tickets to see Helen Thomas are now available and can be purchased for $25 from the Performing Arts box office at (909) 468-4050 or by calling the foundation at (909) 594-5611, ext. 4215. Seating is limited.
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