Byron Pitts’ life obstacles will be focus of speech

Kent State Stark Campus will hold its first event in the 2009-2010 Featured Speakers Series, “Step Out on Nothing: An Evening with Byron Pitts,” at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

Pitts, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, will speak about the obstacles of single parenthood, illiteracy and a constant stutter and how he persevered to achieve a successful broadcast journalism career. His book “Step Out on Nothing” also focuses on his courageous journey.

Pitts is a contributing correspondent to CBS’ “60 Minutes” and chief national correspondent for “The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.”

His credentials consist of two national Emmys, six regional Emmys, four Associated Press Awards and a National Association of Black Journalists Award.

Pitts’ reporting on the Sept. 11 attacks also earned him an Emmy.

His work includes coverage on the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, Elian Gonzalez and the Kosovo refugee crisis.

Cynthia Williams, Stark campus public relations coordinator, said Pitts’ message is important.

“We feel that those who come to hear Mr. Pitts’ lecture will be inspired by how much influence they have on tomorrow’s leaders and will use that information to positively affect the students enrolled at Kent State at Stark,” she said.

The event will be held in the Timken Great Hall, located at the University Center at Kent State Stark. The event begins at 7:30 p.m., but doors open at 6:45 p.m. Only overflow tickets remain.

Contact regional campuses reporter Erin Orsini at [email protected].