David Brooks and Mark Shields to Receive Inaugural Prize For Civility in Public Life at National Press Club

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Allegheny College:

WHO: David Brooks, Political Journalist and Commentator
Mark Shields, Political Journalist and Commentator
James H. Mullen, Jr., President of Allegheny College
Daniel M. Shea, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College

WHAT: Allegheny College will honor New York Times columnist David Brooks and nationally syndicated columnist Mark Shields as the recipients of the inaugural Prize for Civility in Public Life. Brooks and Shields were selected because of their steadfast civility in their public commentary, perhaps best exemplified by their civil jousting with one another during their weekly debates on "PBS NewsHour."

James H. Mullen will explain why Allegheny founded the Prize for Civility in Public Life and elaborate on his views on how journalists can help explain to help restore civility in politics. Dr. Daniel M. Shea will be available to explain Allegheny College's national research findings on civility.

Brooks, Shields, Mullen and Shea will be available for interviews following the award presentation.

If you are unable to attend the event, you can watch it as a live webcast at http://www.visualwebcaster.com/civilityprize.

WHERE: The National Press Club
Holeman Lounge
529 14th Street NW
Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 21
9:30 a.m.

WHY: Allegheny College, one of the nation's oldest and most respected liberal arts colleges, has been devoted to civility for the entirety of its nearly 200-year history. The Prize for Civility in Public Life was created to honor political activists for their commitment to civil discourse while remaining strong in their ideological or political viewpoints.

Contact Morgan Moerder at (717) 877-0576 or Jenna Lefever at (717) 877-1103 for interview opportunities or for more information.

SOURCE Allegheny College