Sept. 29, 2010 - With U.S. immigration policy and global relations as the backdrop, best-selling Mexican author, statesman and leading Latin American scholar Carlos Fuentes will give a lecture on "Globalization: A New Deal for a New Age" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the CSUB Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield. Admission and parking in lots B, C and D are free. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The sixth annual Fall Lecture presented by the Kegley Institute of Ethics is co-sponsored by San Joaquin Community Hospital, Mercy Hospitals and St. Philip the Apostle Church.

"Immigration policy is of course dependent on economics: people will go to where the work is," said Christopher Meyers, KIE director and professor of philosophy at CSUB. "In order for the United States to have a sounder relationship with Latin America, we need a much richer understanding of Latin American politics, economics and culture. Carlos Fuentes is universally acknowledged to be among the world's leading experts on these topics."

As an author, former Mexican diplomat, observer and critic of international relations among the Americas, Fuentes has defined the cultural and emotional identity of an entire continent and is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest literary and political figures of the Spanish-speaking world. His novels, including The New York Times bestseller "The Old Gringo" and "The Death of Artemio Cruz," look deeply into the identity of Latin America, its internal conflicts and its contentious relationship with the superpower to the north. His nonfiction work also celebrates the rich contributions of Latin culture (including "The Buried Mirror," which became a Discovery Channel series).

Fuentes has won Mexico's National Prize in Literature, the Miguel de Cervantes Prize (the highest honor for a Spanish-language writer), France's Legion of Honor and the Four Freedoms Award. He was the first recipient of the Latin Civilization Award presented by the Presidents of Brazil, Mexico and France. He has also served as Director of International Cultural Relations for Mexico's Ministry of Exterior Relations and as the Mexican Ambassador to France.

"Fuentes' visit to CSUB is his first to our region and the Kegley Institute of Ethics is deeply honored to host him," Meyers said. "He has also generously agreed to do a book signing and Russo's Books will sell copies on site."

Fuentes' visit also coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month as well as the One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern community read of "Burro Genius" by California author Victor Villaseñor (who will be visiting CSUB on Nov. 9). Learn more about all related events at www.kerncountylibrary.org.

The Kegley Institute of Ethics is celebrating its 25th year during 2010-11. The 25th Anniversary Charles W. Kegley Memorial Lecture will feature Paul Rusesabagina, whose story is chronicled in the film "Hotel Rwanda," on April 19, 2011.

For more information, call the Kegley Institute of Ethics at 654-2555 or visit www.csub.edu/kie.