Robert F. Kennedy Symposium to feature Adrian Grenier

Actor will discuss his new documentary and HBO series at event urging students to explore critical social issues

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The featured speaker for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Student Government Association‘s 43rd Annual Robert F. Kennedy Symposium is actor, musician and director Adrian Grenier, who will discuss his new documentary and his work on the HBO series “Entourage.”

The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 19 in the Student Union Theatre, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. A reception and “meet and greet” will follow. Admission is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and are available through the UMKC Central Ticket Office, 4949 Cherry Street, online at CTO or by calling 816-235-6222.

“SGA chose Adrian Grenier as the speaker for this year’s Robert F. Kennedy Symposium in an effort to approach the symposium from a new angle and draw more involvement from the college crowd,” said Jay Devineni, SGA President. “SGA feels that Mr. Grenier has some very recognizable qualities while also having an important message, making him an ideal candidate to increase student interest while maintaining the event’s fundamental goal of acquainting students with modern day issues.”

Best known for his leading role in the Emmy-nominated HBO series “Entourage,” Grenier has starred in several movies, including the 1999 film “Drive Me Crazy” with Melissa Joan Hart. Since making his big screen debut in 1997, Grenier has branched out into filmmaking, producing and directing. His second feature-length documentary, “Teenage Paparazzo,” focuses on the complex relationship between celebrities and the media. The film premiered at Sundance 2010 and aired on HBO the same year. He also produced two additional documentaries, “Don’t Quit Your Daydream,” a film about two struggling musicians; and “How to Make Money Selling Drugs,” a documentary which focuses on the failures of America’s war on drugs.

With interests beyond the scope of film and television, Grenier is an avid musician. He is the lead singer in the band Kid Friendly and also the drummer in the band The Honey Brothers. In 2002, Grenier founded Reckless Productions as a vehicle to craft socially responsible human stories, challenging conventional thoughts and ideas and evoking dialogue on important, current topics. His work emphasizes his goal of merging sustainability into pop culture. Grenier also co-founded the Webby Award-winning new media platform SHFT.com. SHFT.com offers original video series, curated shopping and a host of resources that speak to a modern, inspirational, eco-conscious lifestyle.

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.


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