Gay Talese at the Buskirk

Inside the Buskirk Chumley, a packed house waiting for Gay Talese to begin speaking.

Former New York Times writer and award-winning author, Gay Talese, came to IU Bloomington last week as the opening speaker in the Indiana University School of Journalism Fall Speaker Series. Two of my friends from the School of Journalism and I left Willkie and traveled over to the Buskirk Chumley for what will be one of my favorite events of the year. Talese's lecture revolved around his unique entrance into and style of journalism, where he finds his stories and his suggestions to budding reporters.

Author and former New York Times reporter, Gay Talese.

The Speaker Series allows students to see world-renowned authors, speakers and reporters, in a small and intimate setting alongside their professors and local journalist professionals or media enthusiasts. At the end of the speaker's usually hour speech, students and professors alike are often invited to an open microphone for a brief question and answer before the speaker has a book signing in the lobby. So students, take advantage of the accessibility that IUB programs like the School of Journalism give their students to such respected professionals like Gay Talese, by going on-campus lectures. They won't disappoint!

The Buskirk Chumley, my favorite venue in Bloomington.