Contact:
Teresa Thomas
412-268-2900

For immediate release:
September 22, 2003

Carnegie Mellon's University Lecture Series To Feature Acclaimed Author/Journalist

PITTSBURGH—Kenji Jasper, writer and journalist of National Public Radio's Morning Edition and The Tavis Smiley Show, will deliver a lecture entitled "How to Make your Dreams Come True in a Single Sentence" on Monday, Sept. 29, 2003 at 4:30 p.m. The lecture, which is part of Carnegie Mellon's University Lecture Series, will be held in Rangos 1 in the University Center and is free and open to the public.

Described by some as the new Langston Hughes or Richard Wright, Jasper, 28, has authored two critically acclaimed novels. His first novel, "Dark," reached the bestseller lists of the Washington Post and LA Times. His second novel, "Dakota Grand," tells the story of a passionate young music journalist who leaves his Southern roots to journey into the exciting and sometimes dangerous world of rap music in New York City.

A Washington, D.C., native currently residing in Brooklyn, Jasper says the inspiration for Dakota Grand came from the course of several events that took place during his last two years of college and his early years in the music journalism business. Because the book features a mix of romance, tension and action in addition to the behind-the-scenes look at the hip hop industry, Jasper believes that it appeals to many different readers.

In addition to his novels, Jasper also works as a freelance journalist and regular contributor to several magazines and NPR. His next novel, a love story/crime drama is called "Seeking Salamanca Mitchell." Jasper is also working on a book of essays.

The Carnegie Mellon University Lecture Series is a partnership between Office of the Provost, Office of the Associate Provost, The Center for the Advancement of Applied Ethics and Division of Student Affairs.

For more information, contact the Office of the Assistant Dean at
412-268-9510.