Gary Eichten '69 (February 2013)

The 2012-13 McCarthy Center Scholar-in-Residence will be Gary Eichten '69.

MPR News Editor-at-Large and Retired Host Gary Eichten has worn many hats during his 40-plus-year career at Minnesota Public Radio, including news director, special events producer and station manager. He has served as host for Minnesota Public Radio's live, special events news coverage, and has hosted for all of the major news programs on Minnesota Public Radio, including Midday, which he hosted for more than 20 years.

A graduate of Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, Eichten began his career at Minnesota Public Radio as a student announcer at KSJR (Minnesota Public Radio's first station). Among the honors Eichten has received during his career is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting award for best local news program. He also assisted in the development of two Peabody award-winning documentaries. In 2007, he was inducted into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting's Hall of Fame. Eichten has also been awarded the prestigious 2011 Graven Award by the Premack of Public Affairs Journalism Awards Board for his contribution to excellence in the journalism profession.

The events the Mr. Eichten will be a part of during his residency include:

Monday, February 11
"An Evening with Gary Eichten"
Where: To be determined   When: 8:00 PM
In "An Evening with Gary Eichten," Dr. Nicholas Hayes, Saint John's University Chair in Critical Thinking, will interview Mr. Eichten. This event will explore Eichten's life, accomplishments, and many contributions to society.

Tuesday, February 12
Student Debate, moderated by Gary Eichten
Where: Quad 264   When: 7:30 PM
Gary Eichten will serve as the moderator of a student debate over the legalization of medical marijuana. Each side will have prepared for the debate under the guidance of Dr. Christi Siver (Political Science) and Terry Check (Communications).

Wednesday, February 13
"Ask the Governor" with Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton
Where: Gorecki A & B   When: 7:00 PM
Current Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton will be a part of a question and answer session led by Gary Eichten. This event will provide the opportunity to learn more about Gov. Dayton's views and agenda for the current Minnesota legislative session.

For more information on Gary Eichten's life and accomplishments, check out the resources below:

Inside The Studio
Listen in as Cathy Wurzer, host of Morning Edition, sits down with Gary for a retrospective conversation. Learn about Gary's observations over the year, his role in the overall mission of the MPR newsroom, and how his commitment to reporting news rather than making news helped distinguish him and MPR as a vital source of information for the community. 

Gary Eichten: Through the Years
Click here for the slideshow

Gary Eichten: Reflecting on a Career