Missouri Western State University is offering a free one-credit-hour course titled “Walter Cronkite’s Enduring Legacy” Sept. 5 through Oct. 24, 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. It will also allow them to observe the creative process as a preview audience for a new live show we’re developing.”
The new live show is “Harry and Walter: Missouri’s Native Sons.” The live multimedia presentation looks at the many parallels between Cronkite and President Harry Truman. It will have its public premiere in November.
The class will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays in the Walter Cronkite Memorial inside Spratt Hall. Classes will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.
There will be no tuition or fees. “Cronkite,” a biography by noted historian Douglas Brinkley, is a recommended 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 in 2013, 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.