Award Winning Journalist to Lecture at Eastern

Written by Jack Meltzer

Willimantic, Conn. -  Jeff Benedict '91, best-selling author and professor of advanced writing at Southern Virginia University, will lecture at Eastern Connecticut State University on Nov. 4 as part of Eastern's University Hour series.  The address begins at 3 p.m. in the Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Conference Room.  The public is invited.  Admission is free.  

Benedict's lecture, "The Story Behind Kelo vs. New London," will provide an account of the New London court case regarding eminent domain laws of transferring land from one private owner to another to further economic development.  The case has been going on since 2005. Benedict's most recent publication, "Little Pink Houses: A True Story of Defiance and Courage," is the story behind the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in this case.             

Benedict is the author of nine books, many of which have been the basis for features on 60 Minutes, ABC News 20/20, Dateline, HBO Real Sports and the Discovery Channel.  He obtained his bachelor's degree in history from Eastern and also holds a master's degree in political science from Northeastern and a law degree from the New England College of Law.