July 5, 1984 - Orville Freeman, former Minnesota governor and secretary of agriculture, speaking at "The Future of the North American Grainery" conference, sponsored by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Freeman outlines his ideas for a new U.S. farm policy. Freeman served three terms as governor of Minnesota from 1955 to 1961. In 1961 he was appointed Secretary of Agriculture and held that office through the Kennedy and Johnson administrations until 1969.
July 12, 1984 - Rich Dietman and George Boosey report live from State Capitol. Former Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Walter Mondale offically announces his choice of Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate for the 1984 election, Annoucement is made in the Minnesota House Chambers.
July 19, 1984 - Walter Mondale acceptance speech at 1984 Democratic National Convention. Mondale presents Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to be chosen as vice president nominee.
July 23, 1984 - Dr. Ernest Boyer, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, speaking at 6th annual Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial lecture, held at St. Cloud State University. Boyer’s address was titled, “The Future of Education in America." He lays out what he sees as five key qualities for school renewal.
August 6, 1984 - Lieutenant General James Abrahamson, the director of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. SDI is a group which is conducting research on the possible use of lasers, particle beams, and other high technology methods of defending against a Soviet missile attack. The plan was proposed last March by President Reagan, and quickly became known as the "star wars" defense plan. After speech, Abrahamson answers listener questions. General Abrahamson is a former test pilot. He trained as an astronaut. He directed NASA's space shuttle project until this past April, when the president appointed him to direct the strategic defense project. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
September 7, 1984 - Arthur Caplan, associate for the humanities at The Hastings Center, speaking at a local medical conference. Caplan’s address was on the ethical problems of obtaining sufficient organs for transplant surgery.
September 7, 1984 - Steven Hillestad, vice-president of Marketing for Abbott Northwestern Hospital, speaking at "Delivering and Financing Medical Care" conference, sponsored by the Minnesota Newspaper Foundation. Hillestad’s address was titled "The Health Care Menu: New Entrees for the Market."
October 15, 1984 - Writer Kurt Vonnegut lectures at the University of Wisconsin in River Falls on "How to Get a Job Like Mine." Vonnegut comments on Alcoholics Anonymous, Ronald Reagan, meditation, and the future of books, in addition to discussing his own writings.
October 16, 1984 - Helmut Schmidt, former chancellor of West Germany, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium. Schmidt’s address was on the topic “The U.S.-Soviet Standoff: A European Perspective.” Following speech, Schmidt answered audience questions. Schmidt, a Social Democrat, was chancellor from 1974 to 1982. During his tenure he gained renown as a tough-minded pragmatist and a skillful manager of economic affairs. Schmidt adhered to the policy of "Ostpolitik" (reconciliation with the Communist countries of Eastern Europe) while also seeking stronger ties with the United States. A strong believer in arms control, Schmidt encouraged negotiations between the superpowers. He promoted economic cooperation among Western European nations and was one of the founders of the annual Economic Summits, which began in 1975. Domestically, Schmidt employed stringent measures to combat unemployment and to safeguard West Germany's position as the country with the lowest inflation rate and the largest trade volume in Europe. The Carlson Lecture Series was established by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
October 19, 1984 - MPR special coverage of senatorial debate between Joan Growe and Rudy Boschwitz. Agriculture policy is highlighted. Debate was held at St. Johns University, and sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio.