Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍøÈë¿Ú

 

MURRAY, Ky. — Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍøÈë¿Ú’s Department of Political Science and Sociology is pleased to host its annual Harry Lee Waterfield Distinguished Lecture in Public Affairs on Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Curris Center Ballroom. This year’s speaker is Michael Pape, Chief of Staff for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service. The title of his presentation is, "Public Service Is Still a Noble Calling." The lecture is free and open to the public. 

Pape, a native of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and a Murray State alumnus (‘90), has devoted more than three decades to public and private service, passionately advancing policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the United States. With a deep commitment to principled leadership and community values, Pape brings more than 30 years of experience to the U.S. Department of Agriculture grounded in a lifetime of public service and a belief in American exceptionalism. He worked for more than 21 years as the District Director for Congressman Ed Whitfield (KY-01), where he championed common sense policies for agriculture, energy, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare and many other issues impacting rural communities in Kentucky. He has also been a staunch advocate for value added agriculture including biofuels and for strong safeguards to protect America’s food security from foreign threats.

Begun in 1977 and sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Sociology, the Harry Lee Waterfield Distinguished Lecture in Public Affairs was the first annual lecture series to be established at Â鶹ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍøÈë¿Ú. It was named in honor of Harry Lee Waterfield, who grew up in Calloway County and graduated from Murray State University in the 1930s. Reared in poverty but determined to get an education and succeed, he distinguished himself in three careers: journalism, politics and insurance. Waterfield was twice elected Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky and later founded the Investors’ Heritage Life Insurance Company in Frankfort. 

The purpose of the lecture series is to bring to campus distinguished individuals of significant accomplishment to speak on topics of historical and political importance. Speakers have included Governors of Kentucky such as Louie Nunn, Paul Patton and Steve Beshear, United States Senators Richard Lugar, James Abourezk and Paul Simon, Professors Richard Fenno of the University of Rochester, Richard Neustadt of Harvard University and Alexander Heard of Vanderbilt University, and Judges Robert Stephens, Edward Johnstone, Joseph Lambert and Bill Cunningham.

Questions about this event or the Waterfield Lecture Series can be directed to Murray State’s Department of Political Science and Sociology at 270-809-2661.