Ambassador to Russia speaks in Grand Rapids, Muskegon

John R. Beyrle, the United States' Ambassador to the Russian Federation and a Grand Valley alumnus, will speak in his hometown of Muskegon on May 13 and in Grand Rapids on May 14.

On May 13, Beyrle will deliver the 28th annual Hackley Distinguished Lecture in the Humanities at 7:30 p.m. in Muskegon's First Congregational Church, 1201 Jefferson. The lecture is free and open to the public. Beyrle will speak on the topic "New Horizons in U.S.-Russia Relations."

The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan is hosting an evening with Beyrle on May 14. He will speak on the topic “Russia and the U.S.: A relationship of global scope."

The lecture will be in the Upper Donnelly Center at Aquinas College (enter off Woodward Avenue – follow signs). The event begins with a reception at 5:15 p.m. Beyrle’s talk begins at 6:15 and will be followed by a Q&A session.

Beyrle was appointed in 2008. He previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria. Beyrle is a career member of the senior Foreign Service. He joined in 1983 and has specialized in Eastern Europe. Before serving as ambassador to Bulgaria, he was deputy chief of mission in Moscow. Beyrle also served as counselor for political and economic affairs at the U.S. embassy in Prague. From 1993-95, he was director for Russian, Ukrainian and Eurasian Affairs on the staff of the National Security Council. He speaks Bulgarian, Russian, French, German, and Czech.

Beyrle graduated from Grand Valley in 1975 with a French major and German minor. He has remained close to Grand Valley through the years. He was the winter commencement speaker in 1997, and he several years ago met with Grand Valley students visiting Moscow on a trip with professor Christine Rydel.

The event is $15 for World Affairs Council members and $25 for non-members. Current Grand Valley staff and alumni may use the $15 member price. For more information or to register, call (616) 776-1721. Reservations are requested by May 13 at noon.