Kathleen Kennedy Townsend to speak at SFA

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend will engage in a public interview with former Nacogdoches Mayor Judy McDonald at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Grand Ballroom.  This will be the largest of several events held throughout a week-long visit by Townsend.

Townsend is the oldest daughter of Ethel and the late Robert F. Kennedy.  Documentaries about both of her parents were shown for free in the Student Center movie theatre at several times last week. 

Throughout the week Townsend will speak to several classes meeting with students, some of whom will get the opportunity to have dinner with her. 

The public interview held by McDonald will likely include conversations about volunteerism and public service, poverty and religion’s role in politics.  Townsend’s professional and personal experiences give her more than enough credibility to address these topics. 

“As a 12-year-old, she lived through the death of her uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and as a 17-year-old she faced the death of her father, Robert Kennedy,” McDonald said. “Immediately following the death of her uncle, her father sent her a note challenging her as the oldest grandchild to ‘work for your country.’ She accepted that challenge and has worked for social justice, peace and, above all, service to others.”

Townsend is a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow.  The program brings nonacademic professionals to campuses in the United States to share relevant conversations with students and faculty.  The program strives to improve connections between the academic and nonacademic perspectives.  

This visit is sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges, a national service organization that advances independent liberal arts colleges and universities by forming collaborations to strengthen programs and foster institutional effectiveness.

Townsend’s interview is open to the public and student body.  There is no admission cost, but space is limited.

For more information about the event, call (936) 468-2605. 

jgilligan@thepinelog.com