Students and Faculty for Bob Harris
The International Bank of Bob
By Alberto Muro
Every year the schools in Kern County come together thanks to the One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern program, a project designed to encourage the community to experience the same book.
The Icardo Center
Currently, students all over Kern County are engaged in the story The International Bank of Bob by Bob Harris which tells the story of a former television writer who had an epiphany to help people in under developed countries with microloans.
On October 28th, Cal State University of Bakersfield hosted an event welcoming Bob Harris to the Icardo Center.
Dr. Emerson Case
First, Dr. Emerson Case of the Department of English gave an informative speech about the book program that contributes to CSUB readers by stating, “The Runner Reader Program is part of the CSUB curriculum.”
After Emerson spoke, he then introduced CSUB President Horace Mitchell to the podium, and he was given a warm welcome as students from CSUB applauded.
Horace Mitchell was brief with his speech and mentioned, “This is our 9th year hosting an event in which an author visits the campus.”
Next, Bob Harris was introduced to the podium, and students greeted him with flash photography from their devices and a round of applause.
Bob Harris wasted no time talking to students about his journeys to other countries and experiencing the hardships that people endure. Harris also mentioned that despite his success as a television writer and notable guest on the game show Jeopardy, he had an epiphany to use his fortune and loan it out.
Harris’ spoke of a single mother in Rwanda by the name of Jackie. Harris said, “She lived in a rundown home, lacked education, but that didn’t prevent her from helping her family.”
Bob
Another notable encounter was when Ben Harris visited a store owner in Beirut by the name of Hassan. Now Hassan lost his shop in a bombing by Israeli forces, and he was able to maintain a calm stance when he said, “You love more, you win”.
As Bob Harris was reaching the end of his segment, he gave students advice for a successful life. His advice was, “Challenge yourself, challenge your beliefs, practice creativity, and practice critical thinking”.
Bob signing books
After Harris concluded his speech, he then announced that there would be a book signing and encouraged students to take “selfies” which was then followed by a stampede of students rushing to get his signature.