Alumna Bettina Luescher Campus Visit
Bettina Luescher MA '85, Chief Spokesperson, World Food Programme, North America
Luescher worked for 15 years as an anchor, reporter and field producer for CNN International, based in Atlanta, Frankfurt and Berlin. As a member of CNN’s 2002 investigative team, she won first place in the National Headliner Award for ‘Attack on America – 9/11.’
Luescher has a master’s degree in political science from UW-Madison, and has won two Fulbright Scholarships. Her career began in Germany, working with a local radio station and newspaper. She then became an anchor for German ARD television before joining CNN. Luescher was born in Hamm, Germany and grew up in Munich.
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Join in the Badger Free Rice Challenge. For every click in the game, 10 grains of rice are donated to feed the hungry.
Thursday, March 8
- 12:00-1:00 p.m. Stories from the Frontlines of Fighting Hunger
North Hall, Rm 422
Haiti, Somalia, Niger, Pakistan. These are but a few of the countries devastated recently by disasters where the World Food Programme can be found providing emergency food assistance. Stories of how this UN agency responds to tragedies, human-made or otherwise, in over 75 countries are the focus of brown bag talk, hosted by the Political Science department. - 4:30-5:30 p.m. Holy Cow! From the UW to CNN to the UN
Memorial Union, Tripp Commons
Learn about Luescher’s extraordinary career, beginning with her studies at UW, followed by positions in newspaper, radio and TV and eventually leading to her current post with the UN’s World Food Programme. - 7:00-8:00 p.m. Quakes, Wars & Celebs–Fighting Hunger Worldwide
Memorial Union, Tripp Commons
As the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger, the World Food Programme (WFP) must overcome a myriad of challenges. Hear about how WFP works collaboratively to overcome obstacles and address issues that impact food security, including health, education and poverty.
Friday, March 9
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. Global Hotspots: Globetrotting to end Hunger
Pyle Center, Auditorium
Free and open to all. Due to limited space, registration requested.
Click to register.
Responding to the extreme hunger that arises from drought, war, hurricanes and other natural disasters around the world, is the daily work of the WFP. Discover how this agency fulfills its mission in over 75 countries and the role Luescher plays as a global advocate and a relentless voice for the millions affected.
