Dr. Jeffrey Koep, dean of UNLV’s College of Fine Arts, on the success of the popular Barrick Lecture Series, which routinely secures notables like former South African president F.W. de Klerk (April 17):
Do you lure these folk with perks, like tickets to Cirque shows?
Nearly everybody is represented by a speakers’ bureau, so we negotiate with the agency. Included in the costs are transportation, where they will stay. Some casinos help with lodging, which is an immense help. If an individual needs a private jet, either we handle it or their agency does.
I imagine it’s not tough landing guests.
We don’t have a hard time. It’s hardest for East Coast correspondents because of their schedules. Some literally speak, then immediately fly back.
What criteria are used to select speakers?
I get suggestions. I collect names, gather materials on the individuals and present them to Marjorie Barrick. [UNLV President] David Ashley also reads the information. Between the two, they handle the selection. A lot of times, the selections may be good speakers, but we’re looking for the best.
Any repeat lecturers?
We’ve had some repeats. We’d love to have Walter Cronkite back. He was the first speaker.
What has the series done for UNLV’s profile?
It elevates UNLV and Las Vegas at the same time. When we bring in F.W. de Klerk, this is not some other F.W. de Klerk, it’s the same former president of South Africa, who freed Nelson Mandela, battled against apartheid and won the Nobel Peace Prize. The speakers leave here with a better perspective of Las Vegas.
–Damon Hodge