CMA Presents "Accomplishing the Impossible: Stories of Historic Humanitarian Efforts"

Ken Kragen will visit Caltech and kick off Martin Luther King week by sharing his philosophy: "It's easier to accomplish the impossible than it is the ordinary." He will give a behind-the-scenes look at how he created three of the most impressive humanitarian events in history, as well as share a sneak preview of the 25th anniversary celebration of "We Are the World." From past successes, Mr. Kragen will extract elements that we can use in our everyday lives and careers to accomplish the impossible.

Mr. Kragen's career has been anything but ordinary: In just 28 days, he brought 45 of the biggest artists in music together in one studio at the same time to record "We Are the World." As part of "Hands Across America," he inspired 5 to 7 million Americans to stand hand-to-hand in a continuous line from Battery Park, New York City, through 17 states to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. In addition, he created the first NetAid event to combat third world poverty, with a multinational concert webcast from New Jersey, London, and Geneva.

A graduate of Harvard Business School, Mr. Kragen received the United Nations Peace Medal, and has received many other honors, including MTV and American Music awards. He has been president of both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. He is on the boards of Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, Community in Schools, and USA for Africa. He is the author of two books, Life is a Contact Sport and The S.T.A.R. System, Strategies to Achieve Results.

This event is free. All members of the Campus and JPL communities and retirees are welcome. CMA gratefully acknowledges the Caltech Cultural Programming Group for help in promoting this kickoff event for the Martin Luther King week activities. For additional information, please send an email to [email protected], or call Debbi Swanson Patrick at 626-395-6286, or Athena Castro at 626-395-6163.