Former CIA undercover operative Valerie Plame Wilson will give a lecture in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m., Nov. 5, about her life while working for the government and hold a book signing as part of the 2007-2008 Odyssey Project.
Plame, once a private figure, is now drawing attention in the public sphere. She is coming to Cal State Long Beach with her memoir, “Fair Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House.”
The theme for this year’s Odyssey Project is “The Leadership Imperative: A Mandate for Social Responsibility.” Michael Field, marketing director of the Carpenter Center, said she reflects this year’s theme because “she has chosen to stand up for what she believes is a crime.”
Plame was a covert intelligence agent for 20 years and worked undercover on overseas assignments related to weapons of mass destruction. After her husband, U.S. Ambassador Joseph C. Wilson, had spoken out against the Bush administration, her cover was blown when the press leaked information about her connection with the CIA, which put an end to her career.
The event is mainly for students, Field said. Having her speak on campus is “critical for students to have the opportunity and exposure to hot topics,” and it will also raise the university’s profile, he said.
Plame was asked to come speak on campus last spring, but her visit was delayed because of her personal lawsuit, Field said. At the time, Plame had filed a civil lawsuit against several White House officials, following the I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby scandal. She was selected from a list of people who was narrowed down based on availability.
Her 320-page memoir was released Oct. 22, 2007. There will also be book signing opportunities during her scheduled appearance. There are 11 sponsors for the event, including the Carpenter Performing Arts Center and the Office of the President.
