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Keynote Speaker: Jerome McDonnell, Worldview Host at WBEZ (NPR Chicago)

On Thursday, Nov 19th, at 7pm, Jerome will address the Northwestern community as the keynote speaker for this year's International Education Week.

We may know international exchange, be it studying, traveling, or interning abroad, broadens horizons and expands opportunities, but the bottom line is that international exchanges are full of surprises and fun. They add a rich experience to our lives that changes us for the better. For more than 20 years Jerome McDonnell has hosted the global affairs program “Worldview” at WBEZ in Chicago. He comes to Northwestern with Ugandan-American journalist Kisuule Magala and Northwestern alumnus Aaron Faucher to celebrate some of the joys of international exchange. Kissule and Aaron will relate stories about a favorite Ugandan musical genre. Jerome will delve into how he developed a fixation on transportation and traffic in south Asia, and why everyday experiences and social norms around the globe matter!

Jerome joined WBEZ in 1984 as an intern thinking this would be a quick “Peace Corps like” broadcasting experience. These days his picture is in the dictionary under “public radio lifer." McDonnell produced the internationally focused program "Midday with Sondra Gair" and took over as host after Sondra passed away. For a few delusional moments in the mid 90’s, Jerome was executive director of talk programming while simultaneously hosting Worldview, but he quickly swore off management responsibilities.

Jerome believes broadcasting’s highest calling is to bring people together to make difference. He has the messiest desk at WBEZ and is Team Leader for Bike to Work Week.

Jerome McDonnell has hosted the public radio program Worldview on the Chicago NPR affiliate WBEZ since 1994. Each weekday from 12-1 Worldview’s listeners can expect a blend of in depth conversations that highlight not only the latest news but human rights, development, and environmental issues. A weekly segment called, “Global Activism” features individuals and small NGO’s engaged in international development work.

This event is organized by International Education Week and co-sponsored by the Buffett Institute, International Program Development (IPD), International Office, and Study Abroad Office. This talk is open to the public.