New York Times bestseller Po Bronson will be the featured speaker for the 2013 Welty Gala Friday, Oct. 25 sponsored by the MUW Foundation.
The event will be held at 7 p.m. in the Mary Ellen Weathersby Pope Banquet Room at Mississippi University for Women.
Best-selling author Bronson has made a career of exploring the real lives of real people. He is the author of six books, including the No. 1 New York Times best-seller “What Should I Do With My Life?” His 2009 bestselling hit, “NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children,” with co-author Ashley Merryman, explores the science of parenting, turning on its ear most current conventional wisdom on best parenting practices.
In Bronson’s book of social documentary, “What Should I do With My Life?,” he crosses the American landscape to find people who have succeeded in finding their calling, many after great difficulty.
He describes their resolve, sacrifice, introspection and courage in the face of the overwhelming fears and misconception that lead many to make poor choices in their lives and livelihoods.
At the podium, he brings his research to life with wit, first-hand experience and a journalistic appetite for the truth. Exploring “NutureShock,” he covers a variety of parenting techniques and topics and addresses all stages of childhood, from toddlers to teens.
Bronson is originally from Seattle, Wash., and earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University. He also holds a master of fine arts from San Francisco State University.
He lives in San Francisco with his wife and two children.
Welty series
The Welty Gala is a part of the signature Welty Series held annually in October to honor the university’s world-renowned alumna Eudora Welty. As a part of the Welty Series, MUW also hosts the Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium Oct. 24-26. Watch for more on the Symposium and its featured authors in the Oct. 20 Dispatch Lifestyles section.
Gala tickets are sold at different levels and offer opportunities for attendees to enjoy a private reception with the guest speaker along with premium seating during dinner. A book signing and question and answer session will follow the program.
Prior to the dinner, guests are invited to attend a reception at 6 p.m. in the Allegra Cope Brigham Presidential Dining Room located on the second floor of Hogarth. There will be featured artwork as well as several of the authors who are participating in the Symposium.
For ticket and sponsorship information, call the Office of Development and Alumni at 662-329-7148.
Proceeds from the Gala benefit the endowment for the Eudora Welty Chair in Humanities. The Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation is a major sponsor of the Welty Series.
