Gene Trani is nationally recognized for his expertise in “town and gown” relations through his leadership as president of Virginia Commonwealth University for nearly two decades, retiring in 2009. Dr. Trani’s insights are shared in his book, “The Indispensable University,” and his lecture will focus on the role universities and communities share in fostering economic and social development. Among his career highlights, he was a faculty member in the SIUC department of history from 1968-1975 and played an active role in Paul Simon’s first Congressional race.