U of M History Professor Emeritus David Kieft will give a lecture for The Sunday at the Abbey Lecture Series on 3-15-09.

He was a visiting professor at St. John’s University.  I was in one of his history classes when I was a freshman at SJU in 1974-5.   A Harvard graduate, he looked the part with his classic suit and tie.  A cross between John Kennedy and a young Professor Kingsfield from “The Paper Chase” (1978).

His specialties were diplomatic history and German history.  He did a great impersonation of Hitler. I remember him saying that Harry Truman was proof that “anyone” can become president.  To me, a kid whose parents had not gone to college, and who had never met a real live honest to goodness “Professor” from “Haarvaard” no less, it is fair to say I was a bit intimidated.  But I loved his classes.

So he is talking at the The Sunday at the Abbey Lecture Series:

These lectures, sponsored by Saint John’s Abbey, are given by monks and invited speakers who address the relationship of monasticism to theology, culture and contemporary issues facing the church and society. Held in the Chapter House of the Pavilion adjoining the Abbey Church at 7:00 p.m. on designated Sundays, the lectures are free of charge. Come and bring friends.