UNC students soon might have the chance to shake hands with a member of one of America's most famous families.
Environmental activist and political advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely will speak at UNC during Earth Week this spring through the collaboration of several UNC organizations.
The Campus Y executive committee approved $1,000 in funding to bring Kennedy to campus during its Tuesday meeting.
Students from UNC's Department of City and Regional Planning first suggested Kennedy as a possible featured speaker.
They then brought the idea to the James M. Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence, which asked the Campus Y and the Carolina Environmental Program to become involved, said Anup Dashputre, treasurer of the Campus Y.
Although Kennedy has not officially confirmed his appearance and details still are being worked out, he expressed a definite interest in speaking at UNC, said Randi Davenport, executive director of the Johnston Center.
Kennedy will speak either April 20 or 21 and remain on campus for about one day if all goes as planned, said Douglas Crawford-Brown, director of the Carolina Environmental Program.
Officials from all of the sponsoring campus groups heralded Kennedy and said his message will be valuable to students.
"Mr. Kennedy talks about tangible issues and how students can make a difference in the environment," Dashputre said.
