Anthony Kuhn, National Public Radio’s (NPR) Beijing Correspondent, will speak at the University of Nevada, Reno on Monday, Oct. 20 about his experiences reporting from China. The event will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union in Ballroom A.

With the event titled “The China 2008: Lessons Learned from a Year of Extraordinary Events and International Attention,” Kuhn will devote attention to the events of last year, such as the Olympics, Tibet and China’s international relations.

“This is a rare opportunity to hear the insights of a veteran China correspondent on a broad range of dynamic issues,” said Hugh Shapiro, an associate professor of history at the university.

Reporting for NPR on China since 1996, Kuhn’s stories cover China’s influence on the world and the people’s efforts toward social justice in a time of swift modernization. He reports on North Korea and Japan as well.

It took nearly a year to get Kuhn to the university. Due to the efforts of the history department, the Hilliard Endowment and the Grant Sawyer Center for Justice Studies, the lengthy process paid off.

“It’s very hard to get foreign correspondents to come here in general because they’re often overseas and hard to get a hold of,” said Barbara Walker, an associate professor of history at the university. “So we’re just really lucky he’s coming.”

Walker believes Kuhn’s speech will be beneficial to attendees in learning about China, Chinese culture and their international role.

“It’s really important to broaden our understanding of China and its place in world affairs,” Walker said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for both students and community members.”