University News

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Speak at WIU

September 18, 2007

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MACOMB, IL -- Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., will present "Our Environmental Destiny" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 in Western Hall on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus as part of the University Theme "Global Challenges and Personal Responsibility – Environmental Sustainability" 2007-2008 Speaker Series. Kennedy's presentation is open free to the public.

Kennedy's reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of successful legal actions. He was named one of Time magazine's "Heroes for the Planet" for his success helping Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River, which helped spawn more than 130 Waterkeeper organizations across the globe.

Kennedy serves as chief prosecuting attorney for Hudson Riverkeeper and president of Waterkeeper Alliance. He is also a clinical professor and supervising attorney at Pace University School of Law's Environmental Litigation Clinic and is co-host of "Ring of Fire" on Air America Radio. Earlier in his career he served as assistant district attorney in New York City. Kennedy has worked on environmental issues across the Americas, has assisted several indigenous tribes in Latin America and Canada in successfully negotiating treaties protecting traditional homelands and is credited with leading the fight to protect New York City's water supply. The New York City watershed agreement, which he negotiated on behalf of environmentalists and New York City watershed consumers, is regarded as an international model in stakeholder consensus negotiations and sustainable development. He helped lead the fight to turn back the anti-environmental legislation during the 104th Congress.

Kennedy has authored numerous books, including "Crimes Against Nature," "St. Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy," "The Riverkeepers" and "Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr: A Biography." His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, The Nation, Outside Magazine, The Village Voice and many other publications.

Kennedy is a graduate of Harvard University. He studied at the London School of Economics and received his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School. Following graduation he attended Pace University School of Law where he was awarded a master's degree in environmental law. He is a licensed master falconer, and as often as possible he pursues a lifelong enthusiasm for white-water paddling. He has organized and led several expeditions in Canada and Latin America, including first descents on three little-known rivers in Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.

*EDITOR'S NOTE: Kennedy will meet with the media from 6-7 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Room in Western Hall. To confirm attendance, contact Darcie Shinberger at 309/298-1993 or DR-Shinberger@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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