School of Journalism plans spring events to commemorate 150th birth year of William Allen White
LAWRENCE — To commemorate the 150th birth year of a Kansas icon, the school named in his honor is hosting a series of events this spring to honor his legacy.
The William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications at the University of Kansas will commemorate famous journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner William Allen White with a series of events April 24-27.
“The school is honored to celebrate a journalist who left his impact on KU, Kansas, the nation and the world,” said Ann Brill, dean of the journalism school.
Typically, the school celebrates William Allen White Day on a single day in April by welcoming the recipient of the William Allen White Foundation National Citation Award. This year, however, previous award winners have been invited to return for the celebration. The following events are free, and the public is encouraged to attend.
April 24
7 p.m., Lied Center of Kansas: Lecture and presentation by Pete Souza, chief official White House photographer for President Barack Obama and the director of the White House photo office. His new book, "Obama: An Intimate Portrait," was published Nov. 7, 2017, and made its debut at No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list.
April 25
4-5 p.m., 3139 Wescoe: Panel discussion with KU alumni Pulitzer Prize winners, “Politics and the Media.”
5:30 p.m., 3139 Wescoe: Film premiere of “William Allen White, What’s the Matter with Kansas?” a documentary by KU filmmaker Kevin Willmott
April 26
3:30 p.m., Kansas Union, Ballroom: Panel discussion on “The Future of Journalism” featuring past William Allen White Foundation National Citation Award winners Paul Steiger, Bob Dotson, Gerald Seib and current students.
The school kicked off the celebration earlier this month with a birthday party Feb. 8 at Stauffer-Flint Hall to mark White’s 150th birthday on Feb. 10. Students, faculty, staff and alumni enjoyed cupcakes, and the school launched its new alumni mentoring program.