Holy Cross Presents “An Evening with Chris Matthews”

WORCESTER, Mass. – Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews and NBC’s The Chris Matthews Show, will give a talk at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23 in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom at the College of the Holy Cross.  Following his talk, Matthews will be available to sign copies of his book, The Hardball Handbook: How to Win at Life (2009).  The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of the College's recognition of Constitution Day (Sept. 17) and the freedoms it affords, including freedom of the press.

Also in connection with Constitution Day, R. Shep Melnick, the Thomas P. ONeill, Jr. Professor of American Politics at Boston College, will give a lecture titled “Does the Constitution Encourage Gridlock?” on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center, Suite A.  His talk is sponsored by the Department of Political Science.

A proud and devoted 1967 graduate of Holy Cross, Matthews has distinguished himself as a journalist, Washington bureau chief, presidential speechwriter, congressional staffer and best-selling writer.  He is the author five books including Hardball (1988), Kennedy & Nixon (1996), Now Let Me Tell You What I Really Think (2001), American: Beyond Our Grandest Notions (2002), and Life’s a Campaign (2007), released in paperback as The Hardball Handbook (2009), in which he reveals some practical truths about how to achieve success in politics and in life.

Before his career in television, Matthews worked for 15 years as a print journalist.  He joined the San Francisco Examiner in 1987, serving as Washington Bureau Chief for 13 years, and as a national columnist for The San Francisco Chronicle for two years.  Prior to entering journalism, he served as a speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter and a top aide to House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill Jr.

Matthews has returned to campus several times in recent years, including as commencement speaker in 2003.

His talk is sponsored by the College’s Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies and the Office of Public Affairs.

For media access to the Matthews event, contact: Kristine Maloney, Director of National Communications & Media Relations, 508-793-2419/kmmalone@holycross.edu

Cristal Steuer, Manager of Communications & Media Relations, 508-793-2419/csteuer@holycross.edu

To request an advance interview with Matthews, please contact Tina Urbanksi, MSNBC/Hardball with Chris Matthews, at 202-885-4437/Tina.Urbanski@msnbc.com.