US Commerce official, journalist to speak at SPEA

In honor of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs’ 40th anniversary, U.S. Commerce Department official John Fernandez and broadcast journalist Philip LeBeau will visit campus next week to speak about their professional experiences and issues affecting the public sphere.

“These speakers share in common an ability to describe for our students and the entire campus community the forces that will shape the future of our nation and our world,” SPEA Dean John Graham said in a press release.

Fernandez, who served as mayor of Bloomington from 1995 to 2003, is a SPEA graduate and member of the school’s Distinguished Alumni Council.

“John Fernandez will be speaking about his experience in the public and private sectors and urban and rural economic development from a regional perspective,” SPEA professor Barry Rubin, who is organizing the event, said in the release.

Fernandez will speak at 4 p.m. Tuesday in SPEA 169, located on the building’s first floor.

LeBeau, who has been a correspondent for NBC News and CNBC, is known for his coverage of the auto and aviation industries, according to the press release.
He will speak at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4 in SPEA 161.

— Kirsten Clark