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Noted Journalist, Author Shares Experiences and Advice at School-Wide Assembly
On Tuesday, October 27, students, faculty and staff gathered in the Carmody Center for an assembly with Mr. Peter Bergen, a Gonzaga parent (’30), distinguished journalist, author, professor, and CNN national security analyst. Invited by Gonzaga’s Middle Eastern North African Cultural Club, Mr. Bergen is one of the nation’s foremost experts on terrorism, national security, and the events surrounding September 11.
Mr. Bergen’s reporting has spanned more than three decades, including his historic 1997 interview with Osama bin Laden. His recently published book, All the Presidents' Wars, examines the decisions, conflicts, and consequences that have shaped American foreign policy in the quarter century since 9/11.
Mr. Bergen began his professional journey at age 20, traveling to Pakistan with two friends and a camera to film a documentary about Afghan refugees. Knowing what he knows now, he shared advice with the students:
Mr. Bergen’s reporting has spanned more than three decades, including his historic 1997 interview with Osama bin Laden. His recently published book, All the Presidents' Wars, examines the decisions, conflicts, and consequences that have shaped American foreign policy in the quarter century since 9/11.
Mr. Bergen began his professional journey at age 20, traveling to Pakistan with two friends and a camera to film a documentary about Afghan refugees. Knowing what he knows now, he shared advice with the students:
- Go see for yourself: You don’t need permission to start
- Do the homework: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” - Seneca
- Listen to everyone: Even, and especially, people you disagree with
- Stay with it: Real expertise takes years
After the presentation, students were invited forward to ask Mr. Bergen questions about his career, thoughts on the post-9/11 world order, diplomacy, journalistic integrity, and a number of other topics. The students were attentive and asked thoughtful, insightful questions.
In a close tie-in with Mr. Bergen’s presentation, the Gonzaga Dramatic Association unveiled a sneak preview of their fall production of Come From Away. The musical tells the story of the residents of Gander, Newfoundland, who welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers when American airspace closed on September 11. Amid the tragedy and uncertainty of that day, their extraordinary hospitality became a powerful example of human compassion, generosity, and solidarity.
The show will be performed the weekends of November 6-8 and 13-15 in the Sheehy Theater.
In a close tie-in with Mr. Bergen’s presentation, the Gonzaga Dramatic Association unveiled a sneak preview of their fall production of Come From Away. The musical tells the story of the residents of Gander, Newfoundland, who welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers when American airspace closed on September 11. Amid the tragedy and uncertainty of that day, their extraordinary hospitality became a powerful example of human compassion, generosity, and solidarity.
The show will be performed the weekends of November 6-8 and 13-15 in the Sheehy Theater.
Celebrating 200 Years of Jesuit Education in the Nation's Capital
