The 2012-13 American Studies Institute Distinguished Lecture Series will kick off at Harding University Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Benson Auditorium with CURE Founder and President Star Parker.

CURE, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education, is a non-profit think tank that promotes market-based public policy to fight poverty. Parker has seven years of first-hand experience in the grip of welfare dependency and is a regular commentator on CNN, TBN, CSPAN, CBN and FOX News. Her articles and quotes continuously appear in major publications around the world.

In addition to heading CURE, Parker is a syndicated columnist for Scripps News Service, offering weekly op-eds to more than 300 newspapers and Internet news sites worldwide.

This lecture is co-sponsored by the Young America’s Foundation. Open seating — no ticket necessary. For more information, contact the American Studies Institute at 501-279-4497.

Harding is the largest private university in Arkansas with 6,815 students and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information visit www.harding.edu.