Encourages “Travel as a Political Act”
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As part of his “20 Cities in 20 Days” tour across America, Rick Steves – prominent European travel guru and public television personality – will give a presentation entitled “European Travel as a Political Act.”
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Carolyn Benton Cockefair Chair in Continuing Education, a program in the College of Arts and Sciences, is sponsoring Steves’ appearance at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, at Unity Auditorium on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Mo. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The event is free; however, reservations are requested and can be made through UMKC’s Central Ticket Office. A book signing will follow the lecture. Co-sponsor of the event is UMKC’s International Academic Programs.
Since 1973, Steves has spent an average of 120 days a year in Europe. Spending one-third of his adult life living out of a suitcase has shaped his thinking. Today, he employs 80 people at his Europe Through the Back Door headquarters, where he produces over 50 guidebooks on European travel; the most popular travel series in America on public television; a weekly hour-long National Public Radio show; and a weekly column syndicated by the Chicago Tribune.
“In a recent USA Today editorial, Steves made the point that study abroad is a necessity, not a luxury, because it broadens our perspectives and expands our understanding of people everywhere. He knows what international study and travel can do for a young person and for our national security,” said Kate Wozniak, UMKC Study Abroad Coordinator.
“This is in line with the message we give UMKC students – that study abroad can be a transforming experience. We are honored to help host his lecture.”
About the UMKC Cockefair Chair
The Cockefair Chair was established to honor literature instructor Carolyn Benton Cockefair, who retired from UMKC in 1964. The group continues to bring the best minds of the day – outstanding scholars and writers such as Carlos Fuentes, Terry Teachout, Tony Kushner and Eleanor Clift – to give free lectures.
About UMKC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.