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ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University to honor President Reagan’s legacy through centennial series

President Ronald Reagan receives an
honorary doctorate from ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University
on October 16, 1984.

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University and the History Center are proud to announce the Reagan Centennial Series. Marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004), the university will host three events that examine the life and legacy of Ronald Wilson Reagan, 40th President of the United States.

"Reagan received an honorary doctorate from ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University on October 16, 1984, and he signed into being the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Historical Corridor. Many may drive along the Illinois 88 tollway, but they may not give much thought to it being the Reagan Memorial Tollway. Reagan is a bit like that, he has become a vital part of the fabric of America. The centennial of his birth provides an opportunity to consider his life and presidency. Although he is often identified with California, a state that he once served as governor, he was born and educated in the great state of Illinois," said Dennis H. Cremin, associate professor of and director of the .

The first event in the series will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 19 in AS-158. Brother John Vietoris, FSC, chair of history, will speak on "Reagan in the Historical Context." Vietoris will be drawing on his “History of the Presidency” course to offer a historical perspective on Reagan's presidency.

The second event will take place at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 2 in room 250 of De La Salle Hall. Tim McCarthy, 2000 ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ alumnus, will give a program "An Eyewitness to a Presidency." McCarthy served as a secret service agent during the Reagan presidency and was shot along with the president during the assassination attempt. He spent a considerable amount of time with Reagan and supervised the detail assigned to the first lady Nancy Reagan.

The final event will held at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 10 in AS-158. Dr. Michael Cunningham, director of Arts & Ideas, Dr. David Anderson, professor of journalism and communications and Dr. Mark Schultz, professor of history, will consider Reagan in the context of popular perception. Their program is entitled "Reagan's Public Image: A Panel Discussion.”

This event is being presented as a part of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University’s program, providing cultural and educational programming for students and the community. A portion of the Arts & Ideas events is sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. For additional information, please contact Dr. Michael Cunningham, Director of Arts & Ideas, at (815) 836-5385.

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ prepares ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.