Acclaimed author, writer, and comedian Bob Harris will present Carleton’s weekly convocation on Friday, Jan. 12. Harris will talk about how he became a micro financier—and how his efforts have paid off—the premise of his best-selling book “The International Bank of Bob” (Walker Books, 2013). The title of Harris’ presentation is “Connecting Our Worlds, One $25 Kiva Loan at a Time.”
Carleton convocations are held from 10:50 to 11:50 a.m. on Friday mornings in the Skinner Memorial Chapel. They are also recorded and archived for online viewing.
A comedian, television writer (Bones, CSI), quiz show champ (Jeopardy!, Greed), and travel writer, in 2008 Harris was hired by Forbes Traveler to help compile their annual list of the world’s finest accommodations. In the process, he became overwhelmed by the brutal contrast between the world’s rich and poor. Harris decided to put every penny of his luxury paychecks into thousands of tiny loans to small entrepreneurs in more than 65 countries. He then followed his money around the globe, visiting online lending platforms, local microfinance institutions, and the recipients themselves.
Harris chronicled his experiences in his best-selling book, “The International Bank of Bob.” Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post called the book “joyous, humane, and inspiring” and Travel+Leisure magazine called it “heartwarming and fascinating (and also laugh-out-loud funny).”
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, including disability accommodations, call (507) 222-4308. The Skinner Memorial Chapel is located at First and College Streets in Northfield.
