Missouri Western State University is offering a free one-credit-hour course titled “Walter Cronkite’s Enduring Legacy” Sept. 5 through Nov. 4, taught by Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. The course is open to anyone. Those interested can enroll by calling 816-271-4100.

“Walter Cronkite is the model of journalistic integrity,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “This course will give students the chance to reflect on his legacy as a journalist and learn more about the many historic events he covered.”

The class will begin with a free showing of “Cronkite,” a live multimedia performance starring Jim Korinke, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 in the Kemper Recital Hall inside Spratt Hall on the Missouri Western campus. Anyone who would like to see the show, whether taking the course or not, is asked to call 816-271-4100 to reserve a seat. Additional free public showings are scheduled on Oct. 19, Oct. 23 and Nov. 3.

The class will then meet on seven Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Walter Cronkite Memorial, in the atrium of Spratt Hall. Saturday classes will be videotaped and streamed online for those not able to attend each session in person. The class will conclude with the R. Dan Boulware Convocation on Critical Issues at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4. Renowned historian Douglas Brinkley, author of the biography “Cronkite” and several other bestselling books, will be the featured speaker.

There will be no tuition or fees. Brinkley’s “Cronkite” is a required text for the course. Copies will be placed on reserve in the Missouri Western Library in the Hearnes Center for those who would rather not purchase the book.

Walter Cronkite was born in St. Joseph on Nov. 4, 1916. The Walter Cronkite Memorial, in the atrium of Spratt Hall on the Missouri Western campus, was dedicated last year on what would have been his 97th birthday. The 5,000 square-foot display features images and videos of Cronkite’s life and the many historic events he covered as a journalist. The Walter Cronkite Memorial is open daily except Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter, and admission is always free. For more information, visit www.waltercronkitememorial.org.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.