Book signing - Mark Shriver '86 on his recent memoir "A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver"

Hogan Campus Center/Hogan Ballroom

College of the Holy Cross, Worcester

Please join us for a free, public lecture by Holy Cross alumnus Mark Shriver '86 on his recent memoir "A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver." A book signing will follow the talk; books will be available for sale at the event. 

Mark Shriver knew his father, R. Sargent Shriver, Jr., was a great man: founder of the Peace Corps, Jobs Corps and Head Start, trusted adviser to presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and architect of the War on Poverty in the 1960s. But when his dad died in 2011 after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's, Mark was overwhelmed by the tributes from people from all over the world who impressed on him that Sarge had been "a good man," too.

In his book he explains: “The great man is recognized for his civic achievements. The good man can be great in that arena, too, but even greater at home, on the sidewalk, at the diner, with his grandkids, at the supermarket, at church—wherever human interaction requires integrity and compassion. Dad was good because he was great in the smaller, unseen corners of life. He insisted on greatness in every facet of the daily grind. Nowhere was this clearer than in his role as our father.”

In this lecture, Mark will offer insight on his father's faith, joy and sense of purpose that marked his personal character and public achievements. Rev. Anthony Kuzniewski, S.J., professor of history at Holy Cross, will offer a historical account of Sargent Shriver’s legacy, as part of a formal introduction of his former student.

Mark Shriver is senior vice president for U.S. programs at Save the Children. A history major at Holy Cross, Shriver has devoted his career to social and public service and was served two terms in the Maryland state legislature. He and his wife, Jeanne Ripp Shriver ’87, whom he met at Holy Cross, have three children.  More information

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