Former Governor Pete Wilson and Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke to Open William Paterson University’s 25th Season of the Distinguished Lecturer Series with a Debate on the Presidential Campaign
—New Jersey Network News Anchor Kent Manahan to Act as Moderator

Pete Wilson		Richard C. Holbrooke

Former Governor of California, Pete Wilson, a proponent for educational reform and stronger national defense, and former Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, a premier negotiator within business and diplomatic settings, will engage in a discussion about the upcoming presidential election on October 15 at William Paterson University in Wayne. New Jersey Network News anchor Kent Manahan will moderate as Wilson advocates for President Bush and Holbrooke speaks in support of Senator Kerry.

Tickets, $32, are still available at the Shea Center Box Office. 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. Additional ticket prices include $30 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.

Manahan has garnered five Emmy Awards for her work as a news anchor over two decades at New Jersey Network News (NJN News). On the air every weekday, she reports on issues and events germane to New Jersey residents and also provides in-depth news analysis on the state. NJN News is the only broadcast news program that covers the entire state.

Wilson, who has served more than three decades in the public arena, was instrumental in helping California overcome its economic downturn while remaining focused on the state’s long-term priorities. During his eight years as governor, he also enacted educational reforms, which have been referred to as the “education renaissance.” He initiated numerous programs including individualized testing of all students, teacher competency and training, and a lengthier instructional year.

As a U.S. senator, Wilson called for early implementation of President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative. He co-sponsored the Federal Intergovernmental Regulatory Relief Act, which required the government to reimburse states for the cost of new federal mandates. Wilson’s fiscal conservatism also earned him the title of “watchdog of the treasury.” He also recently served as co-chairman for Arnold Schwarzenegger's gubernatorial campaign

Holbrooke, a former diplomat, was instrumental in negotiating the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the war in Bosnia. He helped to bring the U.S. back into good standing with the United Nations through a series of reductions in dues and assessments. Holbrooke, who was the U.S. Ambassador to Germany from 1993-1994, also served as the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs for President Clinton.

He has written numerous articles and books including, “To End a War,” a memoir of the Dayton negotiations, and was co-author of “Counsel to the President.” He has received numerous awards including seven Nobel Peace Prize nominations. Holbrooke is also currently vice chairman of Perseus, a leading private equity firm.

William Paterson’s Distinguished Lecturer 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.; Mercedes-Benz USA LLC; and The Record/Herald News. Benefactors include: BAE Systems-CNI; Castrol Consumer North America; CIT; Interchange Bank; Nicholas Martini Foundation; Pfizer; PSE&G; Roche; and the William Paterson University Alumni Association. Patrons include: Aventis Pharmaceuticals; Becton Dickinson and Co.; ITT Avionics; J.P. MorganChase; and Strykler Orthopedics. Sponsors include: AAA-NJ Automobile Club; Bograds; Bristol-Myers Squibb; CNA; Commerce Bank; Commerce and Industry Association; Melvin and Carole Cohen; Conocophillips Bayway Refinery; Barbara and Robert Evans; Gerber & Samson, Attorneys; Hunziker, Jones, Caserta, Romer & Champion, P.A.; Bruce Leeb & Company; McBride Enterprises, Inc.; Edward and Paulette Meier; North Fork Bank; The Opper Group; Passaic County Educational Council; 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.; Valley National Bank; Verizon; Wakefern; Washington Mutual; Willowbrook Management; and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

Note to reporters and editors: Downloadable photographs are available at:
http://ww2.wpunj.edu/publicityphotos/DistinguishedLecturers04/

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For Further Information, contact:

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