P.J. O'Rourke Brings Satire and Humor to Distinguished Lecturer Series at William Paterson University on April 26

P.J. O'Rourke, a political writer and foreign affairs editor for Rolling Stone magazine, will bring a comic spin to the Distinguished Lecturer Series on Friday, April 26 in the final program of this year's series.A limited number of single tickets may be available at the Shea Center Box Office on April 22. For ticket availability, and to purchase single tickets, please call the box office at 973-720-2371 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; prices are $26 standard; $24 for senior citizens, William Paterson faculty, staff and alumni; $10 for William Paterson students; and $14 for students from other schools. All lectures begin at 8 p.m. in Shea Center on campus; parking is free.

The author of nine best-selling books, O'Rourke has established himself as one of America's premier political satirists through his books and columns. In his most recent book, "The CEO of the Sofa," he embarks on a mission to the most frightening place of all, his home. From there, he pushes himself off the couch to pursue assignments as his penchant for journalism takes him to the international scene on which he reports with the skills and discipline of an investigative reporter. He has covered some of the most important events of our time including the civil war in Lebanon, the Palestinian uprising, and the troubles in Northern Ireland. In addition to Rolling Stone, he has written for the New York Times, The New Republic and Forbes. By reputation, he is known as a hard-bitten, cigar-smoking conservative, but in reality skewers politicians of all persuasions.

He attended Miami University of Ohio and graduate school at Johns Hopkins where he was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow and earned a master's degree in English. After working at several small newspapers in Baltimore and New York, he joined the staff of the National Lampoon, eventually becoming editor-in-chief. Next, he became a roving reporter covering hot spots around the world.

William Paterson's Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by the William Paterson University Foundation, the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Programming Board. Distinguished Partners include: Automatic Data Processing, Inc., and Merck & Co., Inc. Benefactors include: BAE SYSTEMS-CNI; Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.; Interchange Bank; Nicholas Martini Foundation; Pfizer; PSE&G; Record/Herald News; Tyco Capital; and the William Paterson University Alumni Association. Patrons include: Aventis Pharmaceuticals; Bacon & Graham; Castrol; Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc.; Uniqema/Paterson; and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Sponsors include: AAA-NJ Automobile Club; Becton Dickinson & Co.; Bograd's; Bristol-Myers Squib; Commerce Bank; The Dime Savings Bank of New York, FSB; Barbara and Robert Evans; Facile Holdings, Inc.; Joan and Robert Ferris; First Institutional Securities, LLC; Gerber & Samson, Attorneys; ITT Avionics; JVC Americas Corp.; McBride Enterprises, Inc.; Minolta; The Opper Group; Passaic County Educational Council; Resort Condominiums International, A Cendant Company; Leon and Paula Rosenblum; Daryl and Stephen Roth; State Farm Insurance Companies; Toshiba America Consumer Products, Inc.; United Water New Jersey; United Yarn Products Company, Inc.; Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company; and Verizon.

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4/1/02
For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966