FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Topic: Politics April 2012 Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University Media Contact: Mary Curtin, 617-241-9664, 617-470-5867 (cell), [email protected] Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University contact information: Jennifer Bonardi, 617-557-2007, [email protected] Suffolk University Media Contact: Mariellen Norris, (617) 573-8450, [email protected] Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University presents Dysfunctional Democracy Breakfast Forum with Barney Frank discussion moderated by Callie Crossley Thursday, May 3, 8:00-9:30 am C. Walsh Theater co-presented with The Rappaport Center at Suffolk Law School (Boston, MA 02108) Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University and The Rappaport Center at Suffolk Law School present Dysfunctional Democracy: a breakfast forum with Barney Frank; discussion moderated by Callie Crossley. Thursday, May 3, 8:00-9:30 am. Admission is free and open to all; a complimentary light breakfast will be available. C. Walsh Theater at Suffolk University, 55 Temple Street, Boston, MA. Wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near the Park St. MBTA Station. For more information, contact Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University: 617-557-2007, www.fordhallforum.org. If you thought Congressman Barney Frank was always outspoken, wait until you hear him when there's no reelection on the horizon. The U.S. Representative for Massachusetts' Fourth District is ready to tell us what's wrong with our democracy — from Congressional in-fighting to an electorate that's asleep at the wheel — and how the people can take control and make a difference. He'll also give us his best predictions for Election 2012. Don't miss the host of “The Callie Crossley Show" (WGBH Radio, 89.7), Callie Crossley, in the most "Frank" conversation you've ever heard with Representative Barney Frank. Further background information on the participants: Barney Frank represents the Fourth Congressional District of Massachusetts and is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee. A member of the Democratic Party, he is considered the most prominent gay politician in the United States. Frank began his career in the Massachusetts State House in 1972, where he served for eight years before winning a seat in the U.S. Congress. Just last year, he helped pass the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act," a new law that the Washington Post has called “the most sweeping overhaul of the nation's financial regulatory system since the Great Depression.” Although he is widely-recognized for his work on national issues, Frank has also fought to help New Bedford fishermen, bring the commuter rail to the South coast, provide affordable rental housing, and support many local organizations and businesses. In 2011, he announced that he would not be seeking reelection after his current term. In 2012, he announced his engagement to long term partner James Ready. Callie Crossley is host of “The Callie Crossley Show” on WGBH Radio, 89.7 and a media commentator and public speaker. She is a regular panelist on the media criticism program, “Beat The Press,” is a regular contributor to Fox25 TV’s Morning Show, and frequently appears on The PBS News Hour and CNN’s Reliable Sources. She is also Program Manager for the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. Crossley has been awarded multiple journalism and film honors. And she was a producer for “Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years,” the acclaimed documentary series, which earned her an Oscar® nomination. A former producer for ABC News’ 20/20, Crossley has been a Nieman Fellow, and an Institute of Politics Fellow at Harvard. She is a graduate of Wellesley College, and holds honorary degrees from Pine Manor College and Cambridge College. The Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service at Suffolk University was established in 2006 through a $5 million gift from the Phyllis and Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation and Jerry and Phyllis Rappaport. The Center builds on Suffolk Law’s legacy of educating, supporting, and mentoring students with a passion for public policy and public service. The Center leverages Suffolk Law School’s tradition of public service and exceptional downtown location, just steps away from the Massachusetts State House, Boston City Hall, and countless other government and nonprofit offices. They stimulate important dialogue and creative thinking on critical public policy issues among scholars, lawyers, students, policymakers, and government officials. They encourage students to pursue public service by providing extensive career development programs, one-on-one counseling, access to mentors and alumni, and information on public service fellowships, including the renowned Rappaport Fellows Program in Law and Public Policy. They foster in every graduating student a sense of responsibility to engage in pro bono work, promote access to justice, and serve the public. Coming up next in Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University’s Spring Series: Beantown Centennials Thurs., May 10, 6:30-8 pm C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Peter Meade, moderates our program celebrating Boston's three exciting centennials in 2012. Author of the full-color and thoroughly researched "Fenway Park: The Centennial," Saul Wisnia shares original commentary by three generations of Boston Red Sox players and fans, plus little-known stories about our favorite stadium. President & CEO of Zoo New England, John Linehan, then reveals how radically Boston's zoos — and zoology itself — have changed in a century, while describing our furry friends who live there now. Finally, the Fairmont Copley Plaza's Regional Vice President and General Manager, Paul Tormey, showcases the history and trivia behind Boston's jewel of hospitality in the Back Bay. Join us for a conversation on Boston's three incredible attractions that only comes once in a hundred years. About Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University: Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University is the nation's oldest free public lecture series. The Forum promotes freedom of speech and fosters an informed and effective citizenry through public presentation of lectures, debates, and discussions. Its events illuminate the key issues facing our society, by bringing to its podium knowledgeable and thought- provoking speakers from a broad range of perspectives. These individuals speak in person, for free, and in settings that encourage frank and open debate. The Forum began in 1908 as a series of Sunday evening public meetings held at the Ford Hall, which once stood on Beacon Hill in Boston. While the original building no longer exists, the public conversations have continued throughout the Boston area with the generous support of foundations, corporations, academic institutions, and individuals. In its 104th year of programming, the Forum continues to build upon its partnership with Suffolk University. Suffolk is now housing the Forum's administrative offices just a block away from where the original Ford Hall once stood. Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University programs are made possible through the generous contributions from individual members as well as corporations and foundations, including ACLU Massachusetts, AIG, The Barr Foundation, The Boston Beer Company, Choate Hall & Stewart LLP, Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge, The Fred and Marty Corneel Fund, Helen Rees Literary Agency, Houghton Chemical Corporation, Iron Mountain, Jackson & Company, Katz Nannis + Solomon PC, The Lowell Institute, Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Old South Meeting House, Penny Pimentel, The Pfizer Foundation, Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation, Prince Lobel Tye LLP, Ropes & Gray, Suffolk University, WBUR 90.9 FM, and WilmerHale. For more information on Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University, visit www.fordhallforum.org. Information about Suffolk University’s partnership with Ford Hall Forum can be obtained by contacting Mariellen Norris, (617) 573-8450, [email protected]. ### .