Behind every lecture, there’s Lisa

Lisa Chou, director of the Tate Lecture Series, the Doak WalkerAward Program and several other special projects on campus, has anew title. Recently appointed executive director of lectureprograms for SMU, Chou, 29, is the youngest to fill the position.One of only three directors appointed to the position, Chou isreplacing former director Kit Sawers, who replaced theprogram’s founder Bill Lively.

Chou earned her undergraduate degree from the University ofSouthern California in Los Angeles. Her first job was with the U.S. Embassy in Paris where she worked for the Department ofCommerce. One of her responsibilities was coordinating the ParisAir Show as well as other events in France. After returning toDallas, she worked briefly for a real estate development companybefore deciding the job wasn’t for her.

After responding to an ad in The Dallas Morning Newsasking for a director of programs at SMU, Chou, then 22, started asan assistant director of lecture programs.

 “I spent the first four years in this office. Atthat time, I transferred over to development, still within the sameorganization. I spent the last three years doing new recipients anddevelopment,” she said.

Chou said planning for possible crises is important in eventplanning.

“When planning events people involved have a 30-page checklist. Of course we had to throw it all out and start over againafter Sept. 11. … Since then we have drawn up new lists inour attempts to be ready for anything,” she said.

As director of Tate, Chou said she has met many fascinatingpeople, but the one that stands out the most is Gen. ColinPowell.

“He had just received the Medal of Freedom in 1999; he wasfresh from the Gulf War,” Chou said. “The approach thathe brought to the event was a militarian approach. He was veryspecific about how he wanted to handle the receiving line and everyaspect of the event. It was just fascinating,” she said.

Chou said many people had impressed her with their humility.

“They may be very accomplished people andeverything,” Chou said “but it’s when you getthem alone, taking them to the airport, whatever. Their humility istouching. That’s what I appreciate the most.

Chou said that her goal for the future is to continue on thesame track began by her predecessors. Starting its 22nd year, shebelieves the Tate Lecture Series has exceeded anything anyone couldhave conceived. Tickets are sold out years in advance, options topurchase tickets are passed on to successive generations throughwills, and every seat is always sold.

“Someone buying tickets for the first time will sit in thesecond balcony regardless of whether he’s Bill Gates or Billthe maintenance man,” Chou said. “Most of the otherareas have waiting lists up to two years long.”

Chou said it is the reputation of excellence and service to thecommunity that keeps the Tate Series in such demand.

“It’s my job to see that the level of qualitydoesn’t fall and that there are enough really specialopportunities. I think we can do it,” she said.