Ashcroft speech launches law lecture series

Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft is the inaugural speaker for the foundation’s Lyceum Series, which launches Thursday with a three-part event.

The evening begins with a lecture at 6 p.m. at Drury University’s Clara Thompson Hall, followed by a patrons’ reception at 7 p.m. at Drury interim President Todd Parnell’s residence. A dinner, with Ashcroft as speaker, starts at 8 p.m. at Drury’s Findlay Student Center.

The event is sponsored by the bar foundation in cooperation with Drury’s pre-law program.

A Drury ID or advance ticket is required for admission. Tickets are $65 each for the dinner, or $100 to attend the lecture, reception and dinner with reserved seating.

Tickets must be purchased by noon Tuesday. To RSVP, call the foundation at (417) 831-2783 or e-mail smba@pcis.net.

Ashcroft has another Springfield speaking engagement this week. On Wednesday, he will attend an executive dinner at University Plaza Hotel and speak on homeland security’s effect on the business environment at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.