John Brademas, whose public-spirited career spans over five decades, from the United States Congress to New York University, will mark his 80th birthday at a gala celebration given by the University. The press is invited to cover.
NYU President John Sexton will convene friends and admirers of Dr. Brademas on Thursday, April 19, 2007. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and a dinner begins at 7:30 p.m.
The event will be held at the Helen and Martin S. Kimmel Center for University Life, Richard L. Rosenthal Pavilion, 10th Floor, 60 Washington Square South, New York City.
Dr. Brademas has made profound contributions to the University, higher education, the arts and humanities, and the nation, as both President Emeritus of New York University and a former Member of Congress.
He represented Indiana’s Third district for 22 years (from 1959-81) in the U.S. House of Representatives. For the last four of those years he was the Majority Whip, the third-ranking member of the Democratic leadership in the House. During his tenure, he served on three Committees - Education and Labor, House Administration, and the Joint (House-Senate) Committee on the Library of Congress - and earned a reputation as a leading force in the creation of legislation concerning education, arts, and humanities. Dr. Brademas is also proud to hold the distinction of being the first native-born American of Greek origin elected to Congress.
After leaving Congress, Dr. Brademas continued his distinguished career by pursuing his passion for education and serving as President of New York University from 1981 to 1992. During that time he guided the transition of the University from a regional commuter school to a national and international residential research university.
Currently, Dr. Brademas directs the John Brademas Center for the Study of Congress, a distinguished institute based at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at NYU.
Journalists may RSVP to brademas.center@nyu.edu or 212.998.2269.