A new lecture series and future endowed chairman in political science was inaugurated Thursday with a speech from a distinguished Iowa State alumnus.

Charles Manatt, ’58, former ambassador to the Dominican Republic and founding chairman of the National Democratic Institute, spoke to a crowd of about 200 in the Scheman Building’s Benton Auditorium.

He and his law partner and longtime friend, Thomas Phelps, who is also an Iowa State alumnus, have provided funding for an annual Manatt-Phelps lecture series, with a deferred gift for the Manatt-Phelps Chair in International Political Economy.

The lecture will be held each fall and address an important issue in political economy from the previous year, said James McCormick, chairman of political science.

“Our future aim is to attract a distinguished scholar in political economy to Iowa State [for an endowed professorship],” he said.

Manatt spoke on globalization, and specifically of the need for Americans to learn about other cultures via organizations such as the Peace Corps.

“We have to be engaged in these societies for them to understand who we are, and for us to understand them,” Manatt said.

He urged students and senior citizens alike to stand up for their beliefs in human rights and social justice “even if you’re called a commie-pinko, which I’ve been called many times.”

Globalization is a reality, he said, “and it’s just going to get bigger and bigger.”

Manatt spoke briefly on the qualities of President Bush, calling him smart, committed, engaging and tough.

“And this is coming from a Democrat,” he said.

Kara Lovett, graduate student in political science, attended the lecture. “I think it’s pretty important for Iowa State to have distinguished guests [like Mannat],” Lovett said.

“He has practical experience and doesn’t just know about globalization and theory.”