February 21, 2005
Community activist J.C. Watts begins Harding Distinguished Lecture spring season
SEARCY - J.C. Watts, a community leader whose concerns encompass the globe - from AIDS relief in Africa to hometown issues in his native Oklahoma, will speak on "Leadership Lessons from the Sidelines and the Aisles of Congress" in Harding University's Benson Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 24.During eight years in Congress, he served as chairman of the House Republican Conference and on the House Armed Services Committee. Watts also authored legislation to create the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, on which he later served.
Watts is chairman of J.C. Watts Companies, which provide services in communication, business and public affairs. He co-founded and co-chairs the Coalition for AIDS Relief in Africa and created the J.C. Watts Foundation to focus on urban renewal and other charitable initiatives.
At the University of Oklahoma, Watts was quarterback for the Sooners, leading them to two consecutive Big Eight Championships and Orange Bowl victories. He was voted the Most Valuable Player in the 1980 and 1981 Orange Bowls.
After speaking as part of the American Studies Institute Distinguished Lecture Series, Watts will sign copies of his book, What Color is a Conservative?
The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. in Benson Auditorium. It is co-sponsored by the Young America's Foundation. Tickets are not required, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (501) 279-4497.
