James Embrescia
jje001@marietta.edu
The class of 1968 celebrated homecoming this year with guest Jeff Greenfield. Greenfield was a prominent journalist and speechwriter from the late 1960’s through the 1990’s. During his time, Greenfield worked for Senator and Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, along with New York Mayor John Lindsay. Greenfield’s work took him all over the world, which led to him winning one of his five Emmy’s after a reporting in South Africa.
Greenfield had a very busy schedule while on campus. On Wednesday morning, he met with leadership students for a breakfast that would allow them to ask Greenfield questions about his experiences as they relate to their career ambitions. Greenfield then spoke to a Leadership 101 class about leadership and ethics as they pertain to United States presidents and public officials. From there, Greenfield attended a Mass Media 101 course where he detailed his experience working as a member of the media. For lunch, Greenfield met with communication and media students and professors to field their questions. Most of the questions dealt with current events and the state of the media. Later in the day, Greenfield attended Pizza and Politics. The aim of the event was to look at the similarities of the political climate of 1968 compared to today.
Thursday started out with a breakfast with the Institute for Learning in Retirement; Greenfield answered questions from many people who had lived through the era when he was working in politics. Following that, Greenfield went to a film review class that focuses on journalism’s portrayal in cinema. During the class period, students asked questions dealing with race relations, current events, and past happenings.
On Friday, Mr. Greenfield ate breakfast with the class of 1968. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and have a general discussion with Mr. Greenfield. From there, he went to a Leadership 101 class where he would continue his discussion of leadership among political figures and leaders. Later that afternoon Greenfield concluded his visit at Marietta College by giving a formal speech to the class of 1968 in the McDonough Auditorium.
All in all, Jeff Greenfield got to spread his knowledge and experience with students, staff, faculty, graduates, and other members or supporters of “the long blue line.”
