MARCH 5, 2009 (MIAMI) - Author and attorney Eric S. Petersen will deliver the Spring 2009 Honors College Excellence Lecture. An expert on Thomas Jefferson, Petersen will discuss his book, Light and Liberty: Reflections on the Pursuit of Happiness. The book comprises a collection of 34 pieces written by Jefferson and edited by Petersen that shed light on Jefferson's philosophical and political thought. Petersen will deliver the same lecture at both the Biscayne Bay (BBC)and University Park (UP) campuses. The BBC lecture will take place on Wednesday, March 11 in Academic 2 (ACII) 115 at 7:00 pm, while the UP talk will be held on Thursday, March 12 in the Frost Art Museum at 3:30 pm. The author will be signing books at the conclusion of the lecture. A reception will immediately follow the event.

Eric Petersen is a managing partner at the New York law firm of Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP. Educated at Brown University and the University of Chicago Law School, he has studied Jefferson’s life and works since 1993. Light and Liberty has been well received since its 2004 release and is a part of the Modern Library Classics series. He lives in Connecticut.

For immediate release

CONTACT:    Juan Carlos Espinosa, The Honors College
(305-348-4100), espinosj@fiu.edu