Chris Matthews ’67, host of MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” will give a talk about his latest book “Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked” (Simon & Schuster, October 2013) on Monday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom. The talk, which is free and open to the public, will be followed by a book signing with Matthews. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
“The purpose of the Student Government Association (SGA) is to represent the interests of the student body. One thing we have heard from students is that they want to hear more from their distinguished alumni,” said Natasha Giftos ’14 and Neema Hakim ’14, co-presidents of the SGA which is sponsoring Matthews’ visit. “Hearing from alumni allows students to develop a deeper insight into Holy Cross and to understand the staying power of their education. We are hosting Chris Matthews ’67 on campus to ensure that students have the opportunity to hear directly from alumni about how Holy Cross has contributed to their lifelong success.”
“As a prominent political journalist, he has dedicated his career to emphasizing the importance of politics and discussing the daily political issues in Washington,” said Makayla Humphrey ’15, a production intern at “Hardball” through the College’s Washington Semester Program during the Fall 2013 semester, who worked with the SGA to facilitate Matthews’ talk. “He taught me never be afraid to ask the difficult questions, and to pursue the questions until you get the right answer. Throughout all of his success, Chris has always made an effort to help his fellow crusaders, whether through internships at ‘Hardball’ or by taking the time to meet and answer the questions of students. In Washington, Chris is a kind spirit to all he encounters; he truly lives out the philosophy of men and women for others.”
A proud and devoted 1967 graduate of Holy Cross, Matthews has distinguished himself as a journalist, Washington bureau chief, presidential speechwriter, congressional staffer and best-selling writer. He is the author of six books including “Hardball” (1988), “Kennedy & Nixon” (1996), “Now Let Me Tell You What I Really Think” (2001), “American: Beyond Our Grandest Notions” (2002), “Life’s a Campaign” (2007), and “Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero”(2011). His most recent publication, “Tip and the Gipper,” explores the bipartisan relationship, both personal and professional, between President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill, Jr.
Before his career in television, Matthews worked for 15 years as a print journalist. He joined the San Francisco Examiner in 1987, serving as Washington Bureau Chief for 13 years, and as a national columnist for The San Francisco Chronicle for two years. Prior to entering journalism, he served as a speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter and a top aide to O’Neill.
Matthews has returned to campus several times in recent years, including as Commencement speaker in 2003, as Constitution Day speaker in 2009, and a book reading in 2012.
News Coverage
- MassLive.com, Apr. 5: 'Arguing' Chris Matthews talks Holy Cross in the '60s ahead of Monday appearance
- Worcester Magazine, Apr. 4: Two Minutes With … Chris Matthews
For media access to the event, contact: Bridget Cass, manager, media relations, 508-793-2419.
