May 6, 1997
CONTACT: Rosemary Gladden, 594-2585
Art Linkletter to visit SDSU on May 12
Well-known TV and radio personality Art Linkletter will return to his alma
mater, SDSU, to receive an award that the College of Health and Human Services
is establishing to recognize older Americans.
The award presentation is scheduled for 2 p.m.
on Monday,
May 12 in the university's old quad area, located between Hardy Memorial
Tower and Hepner Hall. Linkletter, who
now travels extensively and gives about 50 to 60 speeches each year about
gerontology/aging, Alzheimer's disease and drug abuse, will make a few
remarks about his work with older Americans. He will also discuss his vision
and views. The month of May is Older Americans Month.
"The award is to recognize people who have
made contributions to senior citizens' issues," said Mary Ruth Carleton,
assistant dean for development of the College of Health & Human Services.
"Mr. Linkletter has established a reputation as a vocal advocate for
older Americans." He will be the first recipient of the award.
Linkletter graduated in 1934 from San Diego State College. He became a
familiar face to millions of TV viewers in the 1950s and 1960s as star
of the popular TV shows "People Are Funny" and "Art Linkletter's
House Party," the children's show that began on radio in 1944 and
aired on CBS-TV from 1952-1969. His successful career began in San Diego
at KGB Radio, where he started as radio announcer and eventually became
program director. He was also the director of the public address system
and radio spokesman for the 1935 World's Fair in San Diego.
While at SDSU, Linkletter was president of the
Associated Men
Students; columnist for the college paper, The Aztec; a member of Blue
Key, a national men's honor society; treasurer of his sophomore class;
chairman of the rally committee; a drama cast member; International Relations
Club member; and involved in other activities. He was also an outstanding
athlete and is in the University's Aztec Hall of Fame. He was captain of
the basketball team and the second highest individual scorer in CCAA conference.
He was also on the swimming and football teams.
The event is open to the public. A reception will
follow the awards presentation and Linkletter will be available to sign
autographs. Free parking will be available that day in parking structure
IV, located on the west side of campus next to the construction site of
Aztec arena. No citations will be issued in that parking structure that
day. To access the parking structure, take 55th Street to Aztec Circle
Drive. Look for the first parking structure.
end
Reporters/assignment editors: Coincidentally, a TV special reuniting
Linkletter and children (now adults) who appeared on his show is scheduled
to air the week that he visits SDSU. Check TV listings for details.