Former Congressman Talks about Book, Politics April 24 at UH

Hobby School of Public Affairs Sponsors Evening with Bill Sarpalius

The autobiography of Bill Sarpalius reads like a 20th-century version of the American dream – equal parts heartbreak and inspiration, culminating in an unlikely political career capped by three terms in the U.S. Congress.

“The Grand Duke from Boys Ranch,” published by Texas A&M University Press, describes Sarpalius’ journey from an itinerant childhood with his brothers and mother as she battled alcoholism and mental illness. Ultimately the brothers went on to live at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch north of Amarillo.

From that beginning – at 13, Sarpalius was unable to read, and he recounts brutal abuse at the boys’ home – he ultimately earned a scholarship from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, graduated from college and embarked on a life in politics, serving in the Texas state senate and being elected as a Democrat to represent Texas’ 13th Congressional District in 1989.

He will discuss the book, his life after public office and today’s state of politics in a conversation hosted by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, where Sarpalius is a research associate.

“I am proud to welcome Bill Sarpalius to speak at the Hobby School,” said Paula Myrick Short, UH System senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This event is one in a series to be held at the Hobby School designed to increase civic engagement and further foster relationships between the University and the community.”

Jim Granato, a political scientist and executive director of the Hobby School, will interview Sarpalius before a book signing. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., April 24 at the Waldorf Ballroom of the UH Hilton.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, see this website.

 

WHAT:                           Former Congressman Bill Sarpalius will talk about his new memoir, “The Grand Duke

                                         from Boys Ranch,” at an event sponsored by the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs.

WHEN:                           6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24

WHERE:                        University of Houston Hilton, Waldorf Ballroom. Parking at the Hilton garage. Map.

MEDIA CONTACT:     Jeannie Kever, 713-743-0778, m – 713-504-3769, jekever@uh.edu