High-quality education with college-bound opportunities for children in poverty are more than just principles to Dr. Steve Perry — they are his mission.
Perry has become a national icon in the education revolution, a change agent who is tireless in his fight for providing equal and competitive opportunities for children who otherwise would not have a voice.
Perry brings his vision to Emporia State University on Thursday, March 2, as the 2017 speaker in the Bonner & Bonner Diversity Lecture Series, presented by the Honors College at Emporia State. Perry’s lecture is titled “It Takes a Village to Educate Our Kids.”
“This is the second year that the Honors College has sponsored this landmark event,” said Gary Wyatt, associated provost and director of the Honors College. “Consistent with the tradition of the lecture series to promote diversity and inclusion, the role of civic leadership in making progress on challenges facing our communities is included in each lecture.”
Perry’s commitment to excellence started as former principal of what U.S. News and World Report has cited as one of the top schools in the country, Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut. Capital Prep has sent 100 percent of its predominantly low-income, minority, first-generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since its first class graduated in 2006.
Perry is committed to closing the educational inequalities that plague youth and families in low-income communities. He considers the current state of education as being in crisis and when he speaks it is a call to action to ignite an urgency to save the children.
“His words are personal, brilliant and heartfelt, motivating people throughout the country to take action,” Wyatt said.
Perry's lecture will begin at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 2, in Albert Taylor Hall on the Emporia State campus. While the event is free and open to the public, tickets are required. Tickets are available at Union Services in the Memorial Union or by calling (620) 341-6378.
The Bonner and Bonner Diversity Lecture Series was established in 1992 by Drs. Thomas and Mary Bonner, ESU’s first and second African American faculty members. The series provides a valuable window to diversity, promoting tolerance and understanding on campus, in the community and throughout the state. The lecture, now the responsibility of the Honors College, includes a focus on the role of civic leadership in making progress on challenges facing our communities.