Economist Paul Krugman Opens Convocation Series

August 9, 2006—Each year the Oberlin Convocation Series presents free, public discussions of cutting-edge issues by some of the country's most prominent thinkers under the auspices of the Finney Lecture Committee and the Office of the President.

The 2006-07 series, which marks Oberlin's 174th academic year, opens Tuesday, September 12 with “An Evening with Paul Krugman.” A renowned economist, Krugman’s work has earned him several awards and broad acclaim from the economic press.  The Economist has named him as one of the top international economists. The American Economic Association awarded him its John Bates Clark medal in recognition of his work in international trade and finance.

Krugman is also an acclaimed op-ed columnist for the New York Times and widely published author. About Krugman’s recent book, The Great Unraveling: Losing Our Way in the New Century, American historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. says, “Lively, lucid, witty, superbly informed, Paul Krugman’s commentary on the state of the union is required reading for anyone concerned about the American future.”

The 2006-2007 Oberlin Convocation speakers also include New Yorker journalist Elizabeth Kolbert (October 4), TIME essayist Andrew Sullivan (October 24), author and Time columnist Ana Marie Cox (October 26), ethnographer Kwame Anthony Appiah (February 13), and NPR humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris (April 10).

These free talks are open to the public and will take place at 8 p.m. in Oberlin's Finney Chapel, located on the corner of W. Lorain and N. Professor streets. Free parking is available in nearby lots.

Editors please note: digital images are available upon request.