Chicago Tribune columnist delivers Glenn Institute lecture

Veteran journalist, columnist and broadcast commentator Bob Greene will talk about “Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen,” at 4 p.m. on Tuesday (6/4) at the Wexner Center Film/Video Theatre, 1871 N. High Street. >br>
Greene, who grew up in the Columbus suburb of Bexley, is a syndicated columnist for the Chicago Tribune. He is also author of several best selling books, including “Duty: A Father, His Son, and the Man Who Won the War;” “Be True to Your School,” a reminiscent look at his teen years; and “Hang Time: Days and Dreams with Michael Jordan.”

Ohio State recognized Greene with an honorary doctor of journalism degree in 1998, when he returned to deliver the spring commencement address. He was the scheduled speaker for the 1997 ceremony that was cancelled due to heavy rain.

Greene's book, bearing the title of his lecture, is a poignant narrative about volunteerism in a small Nebraska town during World War II. More than six million soldiers passed through the train station on their way to war from 1941-45. Citizens turned the train stop into a canteen and a wonderful memory for the young people who passed through the town.

The lecture is the second in the series “Book Marks: Notable Authors on Public Policy,” sponsored by the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy. The John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy aims to encourage public service among citizens of all ages, explore the place of public service in American life, train public officials for more effective leadership, and disseminate pragmatic, fact-based research to all policymakers. Greene’s talk is co-sponsored by the Department of History. The lecture is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture.

Reserved seating is available and recommended by contacting the Glenn Institute at 292-4545 or e-mail glenninstitute@admin.ohio-state.edu. Reserved seats will be held until 3:50.

WHAT: Bob Greene, author and syndicated columnist, will deliver “Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen.”

WHEN: Tuesday, June 4.

WHERE: The Wexner Center Film/Video Theatre, 1871 N. High St.

WHY: The John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy offers relevant and timely information on public policy issues.
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