State Treasurer Michael Frerichs will be giving a speech and answering questions at 7 p.m. Friday in the Roberson Auditorium in Lumpkin Hall.

The Political Science Association is hosting the event, and Logan Klepzig, the president of the association, said this is a great and rare opportunity for anyone to attend.

“Students should come because this is a rare opportunity to have an in-depth conversation or access to a state-wide official,” Klepzig said. “It’s an opportunity to have more than just a handshake.”

Klepzig said the PSA invited Frerichs to give a speech about himself and his political career leading up to his current position, and after the speech he will answer questions regarding issues affecting the state from those in attendance.

Klepzig said the reason they invited Frerichs is because of the organization’s overall goal for Eastern.

“(We) want to see Eastern become center for civic conversation in Illinois,” Klepzig said regarding the Political Science Association’s goal. He said therefore by inviting people like Frerichs, it will help the organization reach its goal.

Klepzig also said this is the first time, as far as he is concerned, that the Political Science Association invited a high-ranking public official, which helps make the university look good.

“How about we make Eastern … a place that people want to go to spread ideas and talk about things,” Klepzig said.

Ultimately, he said he wants as many students to attend as possible in order to have a full room.

“Who knows what (Frerichs’) political future is, but he could have higher office, so if you care about Eastern … you’re going to want him to have a good impression so he remembers the Eastern community,” Klepzig said.

Anyone from the Eastern and Charleston communities can attend the event and Klepzig said they also invited students from the local high schools to attend as well.

For more information on the event or the Political Science Association contact Klepzig at [email protected].

Analicia Haynes can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].