Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will next month make the trip from one Hill to another, taking a break from her duties as Democratic leader of the U.S. House of Representatives to address Tufts on the subject of public service among students.
Pelosi will deliver the inaugural Alan D. Solomont Lecture at Tufts on April 8 at 2 p.m. in Cohen Auditorium, according to Assistant Director of Public Relations Katie Cinnamond in an e-mail to the Daily.
In her lecture, which is part of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service's ongoing 10th anniversary celebrations, the former House Speaker will share her experiences and reflections on public service.
"Tufts University is leading the nation in fostering the next generation of engaged citizens," Pelosi told the Daily in an e-mail yesterday. "That's why I'm looking forward to the opportunity to speak to the Tufts community about the impact young people can have through public service."
Following Pelosi's remarks, Solomont (A '70), the current U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra, will lead a question and answer session.
Solomont, a trustee emeritus, was involved in the founding of the Tisch College in 2000. He has served as ambassador since President Obama appointed him in 2009.
As the first female Speaker of the House, Pelosi is the highest-ranking female elected official in American history. She served as Speaker from 2007 until 2011, when the Republicans took over the House.
Pelosi ran successfully for the Democratic leader position in the 112th Congress despite Democratic losses in last year's midterm elections. She continues to represent California's eighth congressional district.
The Tisch College is celebrating its 10th year at Tufts with a series of lectures and events.
Tisch College Director and Associate Dean Nancy Wilson said Pelosi's lifelong experience in public service made her ideally suited to deliver the Solomont Lecture.
"I can't think of someone who would be more appropriate to kick off this lecture series and help us celebrate our tenth anniversary," Wilson said. "We're just delighted that she's going to be coming to Tufts."
Wilson also praised Solomont, the former chair of the Corporation for National and Community Service, for his leadership at Tisch College.
"Alan is a leader in the national service movement and has given many years of service to Tufts and to Tisch College," she said.
Tickets to the lecture will be made available through the Tisch College.
