CNN personality slated to speak at KU

Between hosting his own show, appearing as a guest on the “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” and covering Pope John Paul II’s death and Prince Charles’ wedding, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper has been a busy man this month.

Kansas University is also part of his April itinerary.

Anderson Cooper will speak at 7 p.m. Monday in the Kansas Union Ballroom at Kansas University, which can hold 600 people. Tickets, which went on sale Monday, are free for KU students and faculty and $5 for the general public. Tickets may be obtained through the SUA box office by calling 864-SHOW.

Cooper is scheduled to speak at the Kansas Union Ballroom at 7 p.m. Monday as part of the 2005 Student Lecture Series.

“Since our contract was signed, he has been between England and Rome covering the wedding of Prince Charles and the news surrounding the pope,” said Megan Storm, co-coordinator of the event.

In addition to covering international news events, Cooper is host of CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360.” CNN’s Web site touts the show as “an unconventional, wide-ranging news program.”

“He’s just energetic and knowledgeable. I think my age group is interested in people on television who know what they’re not talking about and not spouting rhetoric,” said Meagan Kelleher, KU senior.

Anderson’s success has even garnered a fan club. The mailing list is “Gunmetal Grey,” a tribute to his hair color.

“He’s a good-looking guy. He’s certainly not Larry King,” Kelleher said.

Student Union Activities and KU Student Senate are sponsoring the lecture. The organizations are paying Cooper $18,000 to speak.