DuBridge lecture series features Jack Valenti

Lee A. DuBridge, a physicist and Caltech’s president from 1946 to 1969, was considered an exemplary research-university president in an era of vast scientific, societal, and educational change. As a memorial to him, Caltech established the Lee A. DuBridge Distinguished Lecture Series to bring to campus prominent speakers of national and/or international importance.

Jack Valenti, head of the Motion Picture Association of America, will visit Caltech to deliver a DuBridge Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, October 2, at 8 p.m. in Beckman Auditorium. James Bates, entertainment reporter for the Los Angeles Times, will join Valenti onstage for an informal conversation.

In his role as CEO and president of the MPAA, Valenti has been highly effective in guiding the agency that watches over the U.S. motion picture and television industries. With Hollywood as a dominant force shaping and reflecting American culture, he is in a uniquely influential position.

Valenti’s career has taken him close to centers of power; he was closely associated with Lyndon Johnson before and after Johnson’s inauguration as president of the United States in 1963. Valenti served as the president’s special assistant until he left to join the MPAA in 1966. In that role, he established the movie rating system, which is still used in essentially its original form. Valenti has written extensively for newspapers and magazines, and he has authored four books.

Prior DuBridge lecturers in the series have been veteran journalist Walter Cronkite, financier Warren Buffett, and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume. This event is rated G, is free, and is open to the public. Tickets and reservations are not required.
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