March 25, 2014

Robert Gates to present lecture at Wichita State

Watermark Books & Cafe and Wichita State University will present a lecture and book signing by Robert Gates at 6 p.m. Monday, March 31, in Miller Concert Hall. Watermark Books is sponsoring an event to celebrate the best-selling book by Gates titled "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War." The native Wichitan will speak and take questions from 6-7 p.m. After the lecture, Gates will sign copies of his book from 7-8 p.m. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

Parking on campus can be found in the parking lot west of Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Books are now available at Watermark Books & CafÃÆ'Æ'Æ'©, and will also be available at the event.

"Our strategic partnership with Watermark Books has benefited our academic community, and in particular, our students, with the on-campus presence of individuals who have shaped our world through their actions and their words," said Anthony J. Vizzini, vice president for Academic Affairs at WSU. "We are excited about having Robert Gates visit with our students to give us a glimpse of his experiences. Excellence abounds on our campus."

Robert Gates served as secretary of defense from 2006-2011. He served as an officer in the USAF and was director of the CIA. He worked under four administrations and served eight presidents of both political parties. Gates has a distinguished record in the private sector and holds a Ph.D. in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University.

"Dr. Gates is a very busy man and we are delighted he could take time from his schedule to visit his hometown of Wichita to discuss his book" said Sarah Bagby, owner of Watermark Books & Cafe. "The partnership with WSU makes it even more special since Dr. Gates contributes a good amount of his time to academia as Chancellor of the College of William and Mary."

Wichita's independent bookstore since 1977, Watermark Books & CafÃÆ'Æ'Æ'© strives to bring authors of relevance to Wichita. For more information visit http://www.watermarkbooks.com