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Rehm visit postponed to September

March 22, 2007

KALAMAZOO--National Public Radio legend Diane Rehm will not appear at Western Michigan University April 2 as planned, due to a protracted struggle with pneumonia.

The free public lecture by the popular talk show host, sponsored by WMU's Graduate Student Advisory Committee, was to occur on April 2 . Rehm was originally slated to speak on March 13, but was forced to reschedule her visit to April because of the illness, according to Erich Sommerfeldt, member of GSAC and coordinator of Rehm's visit.

"Unfortunately, she is still susceptible to the lingering effects of the pneumonia and has been forced to cancel all public appearances for the time being" says Sommefeldt. "Although she is back on the air, her doctors have forbad her from traveling until the end of April."

Given that the spring semester will be over by that time, GSAC has postponed Rehm's visit until the fall. The presentation has been rescheduled for Sept. 25, 2007.

"Diane has expressed a heartfelt apology for having to delay her appearance in Kalamazoo," says Sommerfeldt. "She is particularly disappointed because this is the first time she has not been able to fulfill a speaking engagement. As luck would have it, we are that first time."

Rehm's talk, which was to include an extensive question and answer session, generated considerable interest from the Kalamazoo community. "I can't tell you how many calls I've received regarding her visit" says Sommerfeldt. "It's been difficult telling people that she will not be coming due to illness. She has so many listeners in this area, and they are genuinely concerned about her well-being."

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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