Speakers Bureau pumps up volume in Indiana, Chicago
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue University Speakers Bureau has doubled its effort to connect Hoosiers with the university, according to its recently released annual report.The bureau helped 75 community groups, civic organizations and professional associations find Purdue speakers last year, an increase of 125 percent.
"We have contacted groups statewide and said 'Let's Talk,'" said Gretchen Bertolet, Speakers Bureau coordinator. "The number of people who have attended these talks also grew impressively. Speeches given by Purdue faculty were heard by 4,712 people in 2005, compared to 1,672 in 2004. That's a 181 percent increase. We are quite thrilled."
The Speakers Bureau manages a database of more than 800 faculty members who can speak about a variety of topics, ranging from health and fitness or advanced manufacturing to the environment or the arts. Bertolet said Purdue speakers are especially popular with historical or cultural organizations, service organizations and public libraries.
Representatives of groups that have booked a Purdue speaker say they were pleased with the quality of their presentations.
"This was exceptional," said Marilyn Foster, co-chair of the Montgomery County Human Resource Association. "The audience was taking notes on the presentation and laughing at the same time."
"Excellent," said Dee Scott, executive director of the Midwest Sign Association. "The speaker was very well-prepared with an abundance of materials."
The Speakers Bureau also has launched a new initiative to help place Purdue speakers before groups in the Chicago region. Purdue President Martin C. Jischke, for example, will speak on April 5 at a Rotary Club meeting on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus, Jischke's alma mater.
"Whether it's space exploration or boosting economic development, Purdue has top-notch expertise in so many fields," Bertolet said. "What better way to share that knowledge than to reach people in communities throughout the area? Purdue also wants to listen and learn from Hoosiers and our neighbors in Chicago."
The services of the Speakers Bureau are provided free of charge. To explore potential topics or book a speaker, visit the Speakers Bureau Web site. Bertolet also can be contacted directly at (765) 494-9318, speakers@purdue.edu. Requests for speakers, including information about individual fees where applicable, should be requested at least four weeks in advance.
Writer: Marydell Forbes, 9765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu
Sources: Gretchen Bertolet, (765) 494-9318, gbertolet@purdue.edu
Marilyn Foster, (765) 364-6868, marilyn.foster@na.manpower.com
Dee Scott, (513) 753-8664, deemsa@cinci.rr.com
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
To the News Service home page