Poage Political Lecture Series to Feature Former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden April 22

Media contact: Paige Patton
Baylor University Media Communications
(254) 710-3321 or Paige_Patton@baylor.edu

Former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Lyndon L. Olson Jr. will speak on the topic "Inside an Embassy," as a part of the Poage Political Lecture Series at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in Meadows Recital Hall in the McCrary Music Building on the Baylor campus. A reception will follow at Poage Library.

"Ambassador Olson has extensive experience in politics, banking and finance," said Ben Rogers, director of the Baylor Collections of Political Materials at Poage Library. "His knowledge will benefit a variety of students and disciplines."

In his lecture, Olson will share his experience as an ambassador and his knowledge of embassies. He will cover every day life inside an embassy and discuss what an ambassador is, what they do and how to become one. The lecture will conclude with a Q&A session.

Olson, a distinguished Baylor alumnus and Waco native, is a former member of the Texas House of Representatives. He has served the state in many ways, acting as chairman for a host of philanthropic, civic and cultural organizations, including the Mental Health Association of Texas, the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Association of Fire and Casualty Companies of Texas, Texas Opera Theater and the Waco Chamber of Commerce.

Appointed Ambassador to Sweden by President Bill Clinton in 1998, Olson served until 2001. In recognition of his achievements during his work, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in 2002 presented him with the Swedish-American of the Year Award. Olson rejoined Citigroup Inc. in 2002 as a senior advisor.

The lecture and reception are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Rogers, at (254) 710-3540.