White House reporter Helen Thomas to speak at UH

Advertiser Staff

Longtime White House reporter Helen Thomas will speak next week at the University of Hawai'i's Manoa and Hilo campuses.

Thomas, often called the "dean of the press corps," will give the annual Carol Burnett Fund for Responsible Journalism lecture at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Campus Center Ballroom on the Manoa campus.

She also will speak from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. next Wednesday at the main lecture hall of the new UH-Hilo University Classroom Building, which opened this fall.

Thomas, now a columnist and commentator, is appearing in connection with her new memoir: "Thanks for the Memories, Mr. President: Wit and Wisdom from the Front Row at the White House."

Thomas, 82, began her career as a copy girl, and worked through nine U.S. presidencies. She left United Press International in 2000.

Described as a hero of journalism by CBS anchorman Dan Rather, she has had ties with the Big Island for years. Further details of her Hilo visit are available at the chancellor's office at (808) 974-7444.

Correction: Veteran journalist Helen Thomas is 82 years old. A previous version of this story gave an incorrect age.