2007-2008 Speakers
Scott Simon
Radio Host, Weekend Edition Saturday
From Ground Zero in New York to ground zero in Kabul, to police stations, refugee camps, snipers' roosts, subway platforms, and theater stages, NPR's Peabody-Award-winning Scott Simon has reported from all 50 states and every continent. He has covered ten wars, hundreds of campaigns, sieges, famines, hurricanes, earthquakes, civil wars, and scandals, state funerals and opening nights. He has interviewed and profiled some of the most interesting personalities of the times, from Mother Teresa to Ariel Sharon and Wycleff Jean, to roving street kids in Rio, and refugees in Kosovo, Ethiopia and Sudan.
Simon has received numerous honors for his reporting, including the Overseas Press Club, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University, George Foster Peabody, Ohio State, Directors Guild, Major Armstrong, and Emmy awards. He received a special 1989 George Foster Peabody Award for his weekly essays, which were cited for their sensitivity and literary style.
Eva Conrad
President, Moorpark College
Dr. Eva Conrad, the eighth President of Moorpark College, is an award-winning community college administrator with nearly 20 years of community college teaching experience.
In 2002, Conrad received the Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence sponsored by the Association of California Community College Administrators. ACCCA recognizes an administrator from one of the state's 108 community colleges whose commitment to the profession exemplifies creativity and innovation, volunteerism, and commitment to the college and community.
Richard R. Rush
President, California State University Channel Islands
Richard R. Rush became president of California State University Channel Islands in June 2001. As head of the 23rd and newest campus in the California State University system, Dr. Rush has hired the faculty and senior administrative staff and overseen the development of the University academic and physical master plans as well as the progress toward achieving accreditation.
Howard E. Wennes
Interim President, California Lutheran University
The Rev. Dr. Howard E. Wennes, D. Min., a former Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has served in leadership posts for the ELCA throughout the world.
Dr. Wennes served as Interim President after the resignation of Luther S. Luedtke, Ph.D., in 2006. He agreed to serve as Interim President again following the resignation of John Sladek, Ph.D and will continue to serve until the seventh President of the 48-year-old comprehensive university is selected and installed
Hugh J. Ralston
President and CEO, Ventura County Community Foundation
Hugh Ralston was appointed the third President & CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation in July 2004. The Foundation has total assets in excess of $110 million and distributed $4.1 million in grants and pledges in 2007 to organizations that serve Ventura County, including over $1 million in student scholarships, a new record. Mr. Ralston is familiar with the history of Ventura County, as his grandfather was a Sunkist lemon grower for over 40 years, primarily in the Oxnard Valley. Mr. Ralston remains a third generation partner in the family's businesses, based in Santa Barbara County.
Verena C. Kloos
President, BMW Group, DesignworksUSA
Verena C. Kloos, President of BMW Group, DesignworksUSA, oversees the company's day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the studio. An international design firm that offers full-service design solutions for premium brands worldwide, DesignworksUSA specializes in Infotainment, Life and Leisure, Objects and Space, Industry and Travel, and Cars and Motorcycles.
In September 2005, Kloos was one of 100 women to be presented with the Automotive News Award "100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry." Kloos is definitely one of the most powerful women in the automotive industry today.
Tim Gallagher
Former President and Publisher, Ventura County Star
Tim Gallagher, former president and publisher of the Ventura County Star, spoke on the importance of the First Amendment. He outlined how the constitutional amendment protecting freedom of speech, religion and the press is constantly under attack from Americans who misunderstand and misuse it. Gallagher came to the Star as editor in 1995. The veteran journalist also served as editor of the Albuquerque Tribune, which won a Pulitzer during his tenure.