SS
Sarah Schlichte
  • biology
  • Class of 2017
  • Manning, IA

BVU Student Panel Selected for Dialogue with Leon E. Panetta

2016 May 20

Six Buena Vista University (BVU) students have been selected to participate in an on-campus question and answer program with Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Director of the CIA Leon E. Panetta on Friday, Oct 7 during his appearance on campus as the 22nd William W. Siebens American Heritage Lecture laureate.

According to Captain Thomas Gorman, assistant professor of military science, officer in charge of BVU's Army ROTC program and moderator for the student panel, the following students have been selected through a competitive process:

- Elizabeth Kim, senior biology and Spanish major

- Sarah Mackey, junior math and computer science major

- Madeleine McCormick, sophomore digital media major

- Alejandra Mendoza, junior exceptional student service and instruction major

- Sarah Schlichte, senior biology major

- Tyler Smith, junior athletic training major

The two alternates selected are:

- Morgan Langan, junior communication studies major

- Mackenzie Rappe, sophomore digital media major

In applying to be a panelist, students were asked to write an essay and formulate questions they would like to ask Panetta, and the reasons for their interest in being on the panel. Students will work with Gorman and other faculty coaches to research Panetta over the summer. After returning to school in the fall, they will develop a list of questions for the event.

"What we were looking for in the applicants was a sense of investigative curiosity in an effort to search for answers to questions you can't find through media," said Gorman. "The work these students do to create a good experience shows their excitement and interest in the lecture series as it is all on their own accord. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they help shape the event in the fall."

The faculty coaches are: Dr. Andrea Frantz, associate professor of digital media; Dr. Nathan Backman, assistant professor of computer science; Dr. Brad Best, professor of political science; and Dr. Thomas Bonagura, assistant professor of biology.

While on campus, Panetta will participate in the afternoon question-and-answer program which will be followed by a formal evening lecture to invited regional leaders in the fields of business, law, politics, education and religion.

Panetta joins a list of preeminent American Heritage lecturers that has included former world leaders, heads of state and others who have reached the highest levels of accomplishment and recognition in their fields. He will be the first former U.S. Secretary of Defense to lecture in the American Heritage Series.

Panetta was the 23rd Secretary of Defense, serving under President Barack Obama. He also served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2009-11 and was Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton from 1994-97.

As Secretary of Defense, he oversaw the final removal of American troops from Iraq, as well as the beginning of troop withdrawals from Afghanistan. He led the effort to develop a new defense strategy to advance greater agility, protect national security and meet fiscal discipline, while conducting critical counter-terrorism operations and strengthening U.S. alliances.

Panetta helped to open new opportunities for serving in the military with the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and the announcement of an assessment phase that would allow women to enter all combat jobs in the military. He also worked to protect benefits for wounded warriors and their families.

During his time as Director of the CIA, he was responsible for overseeing the operation that resulted in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice.

The William W. Siebens American Heritage Lecture Series was endowed by the late Dr. Harold Walter Siebens, an Iowa-born entrepreneur and philanthropist, and named in honor of his son. This series was established in 1989 to provide the BVU campus community, Iowa and the Midwest with access to prominent world figures discussing current issues underlying American freedoms.

About Buena Vista University

Founded in 1891, Buena Vista University delivers 40 majors and 15 pre-professional programs that blend liberal arts with real-world experiences, preparing students for lifelong success, especially in the areas of elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. BVU stands behind its students and their degrees with TruePromise, which promises that students will locate a meaningful internship, earn at least one major within four years, and secure a job or entrance to graduate/professional school within six months of graduation. BVU is an affordable option for all students and, combined with its academic programs, has led U.S. News & World Report to rank BVU as the third best value school among Midwest Regional Colleges. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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