The Writing Center’s Irish Voices Series Welcomes Legendary Gossip Columnist Liz Smith

Tina Santi Flaherty and Liz Smith

On October 14, Smith paid a visit to Marymount Manhattan as a featured guest of “Irish Voices: The Tina Santi Flaherty Lecture Series” presented by The Writing Center at MMC. 

“The only thing we really had to cling to was gossip,” Smith said, recalling her writing experiences during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. “Gossip is emboldened by the culture. Gossip can sometimes be a really elevating invention.” 

	Liz Smith and Lewis Frumkes, Director of The Writing Center

At one time Smith’s column was syndicated in more than 70 newspapers. For 11 years prior to the column, Smith was the entertainment editor ofCosmopolitan Magazine. She is also the author of the best-sellers,Natural Blond andDishing. 

In February 2009, Smith’s contract was not renewed by the New York Postcausing many reactions from both sides of the spectrum. Still, Smith maintains a love for print journalism and Hollywood. 

“I don’t know what’s going to happen to show business or entertainment,” Smith said. “The thing that worries me is the disappearance of newspapers. I’d like to get my column back in print.” 

The Irish Voices Series lectures are scheduled at 7 p.m., in the Regina Peruggi Room located at Marymount Manhattan College. On September 17, the lecture series welcomed author and human rights activist Kerry Kennedy. 

On November 4, “Irish Voices,” will feature Flora Fraser, daughter of Lady Antonia Fraser, and stepdaughter of Nobel-prize winning playwright Sir Harold Pinter. Fraser is the author of Beloved Emma: The Life of Emma, Lady Hamilton; The Unruly Queen: The Life of Queen Caroline; andPrincesses: The Six Daughters of George III, as well as her most recent biography, Pauline Bonaparte: Venue of Empire. 

On December 9, Tina Santi Flaherty, a noted author, businesswoman and philanthropist will be the guest speaker. A former television talk show host and radio broadcaster, Flaherty was elected by the Board of Directors of the Colgate Palmolive Company as the first female corporate officer and vice president in its 200-year history. She is the author of three best-selling books: What Jackie Taught Us: Lessons from the Remarkable Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; Talk Your Way to the Top; and The Savvy Woman’s Success Bible. 

Other upcoming events hosted by The Writing Center include the following: 

• “The Jack Burstyn Memorial Lecture,” featuring Richard Lederer, author of more than 30 books including Anguished English and The Miracle of Language. The free lecture is scheduled at 7 p.m., Oct. 21 in the Regina Peruggi Room. 
  
  
• “An Evening With Mario Buatta” is scheduled at 7 p.m., November 9 in the Regina Peruggi Room. Interior Designer Mario Buatta has created his own unmistakable style, which he calls, “the undecorated look” and has acquired a list of well-known clients, including Mariah Carey, Billy Joel and Malcolm Forbes.

For more information about The Writing Center and other upcoming events, call (212) 774-4810 or (212) 774-0780. Liz Smith was also interviewed by Lewis Frumkes, Director of The Writing Center, who is host of “The Lewis Burke Frumkes Show,” on WPAT 930AM. For broadcast days and times, visit the Web at www.lewisfrumkes.com. 

Marymount Manhattan College is an urban, independent, liberal arts college. The mission of the College is to educate a socially and economically diverse student body by fostering intellectual achievement and personal growth and by providing opportunities for career development.

Published: October 26, 2009