Ben Stein to speak at IU next week

Ben Stein, the monotonous teacher from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” will lecture at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at the IU Auditorium. \nThe lecture will cover a range of topics covering American political, cultural and social life, according to an Indiana Memorial Union Board press release.\nStein, widely known for his TV commercials and game show, “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” was also the speech writer for presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, according to his Web site. He has also written opinion-editorial columns for The Wall Street Journal, E! Online and The Washington Post.\nStein, 62, has written multiple novels about Los Angeles life as well as nine nonfiction books on topics ranging from finance to social content of mass culture, according to the press release. Stein’s most recent book, “How to Ruin Your Life,” released in 2002, is a self-help piece with a comedic twist.\nUnion Board hopes that bringing Stein to lecture further demonstrates its commitment to excellence in programming and diversity, according to the press release.\n“Stein’s diverse background is unrivaled and his witty humor will assuredly make for an entertaining speech,” said Union Board Lecture committee director Hana Ros.\nThe lecture is co-sponsored by IU College Republicans, the Department of Economics and the Young America’s Foundation. Admission to the event is free.