Mark Leibovich, chief national correspondent for The New York Times Magazine, will speak at University of Portland on Tuesday, September 11, at 7 p.m. The talk is free and open to the public and will be held in the Bauccio Commons on campus, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd.

Leibovich’s presentation, titled ‘The Role of the Media in Today’s Democracy,’  will involve “a discussion of how – in this scripted and overly produced political age – journalists can still uncover fresh and revealing details about our leaders.”

Prior to Leibovich’s time at The New York Times Magazine, he was a Washington, D.C.-based national political reporter for The New York Times and specialized in political profiles, features and essays. He has profiled many notable political figures, such as Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, John McCain, Dick Cheney and many others.

Leibovich’s presentation also marks the official launch of the innovative “Vote UP” program, which is a collaboration between University of Portland faculty, staff, and students to increase on-campus voter turnout, engagement, and dialogue in the weeks leading up to the 2012 Presidential election. The program will include voter registration drives, weekly panel discussions about key issues, debate and election watch parties, and a post-election wrap-up. Each panel will be followed by discussions facilitated by TOLCS (Teaching Our Leaders Civil Discourse and Service), students trained by the Communication Studies department in civic discourse and public dialogue.

All events are free and open to the public, and will be held at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Locations are subject to change – please check the official Vote UP website at www.up.edu/voteup for the most up-to-date information.

Vote UP is being sponsored by The New York Times as well as the University of Portland Political Science department, Student Activities, and the Moreau Center for Service and Leadership.

Contact Jeromy Koffler, Student Activities director, with questions at stuact@up.edu or 503-943-7470.