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The University appointed Kalb as its first Welling presidential fellow of the academic year in early August. Since 1994, Kalb has hosted 56 public affairs forums at the National Press Club.
"I hope to have the opportunity to speak with students and try to share those experiences that I had which might be of interest to them in ways that will expand their appreciation of the fantastic work journalists do," Kalb said.
Kalb also hopes to discuss with students how journalism enriches democracy, he said.
"Without a free, vibrant and exciting press, we're in trouble. With it, we're blessed," Kalb said. "If I get the opportunity to express that broad idea in concrete terms with students, then I will be a happy fellow."
Kalb also said he wants to impart upon students the importance of continued quality in journalism as a means to earn the respect of the American people.
"Journalists should not be happy just churning out a story," Kalb said. "There should be the feeling that the story is as close to being a true, honest, accurate reflection of reality, so that the people reading, listening or watching can appreciate the role of the journalist. If it seems to the customer of the news that it's all easy, slick, quick and customized, then people will lose respect for the product and that would be a horrible thing."
Kalb's appointment as a Welling fellow will allow him to be more actively engaged at GW, said Michael Freedman, vice president of Communications and executive producer for the Kalb Report. "He has always done anything that GW has asked him to do. Marvin Kalb will be a stronger presence on our campus. My only hope is that students take advantage of this."
Kalb will be working with Freedman and SMPA Director Lee Huebner to coordinate his activities at GW as a Welling fellow, according to a news release.
Freedman said the University recommends candidates to the council of deans, which then approves nominees for Welling fellowships or professorships before the University president signs off on the nomination.
