Cereal Speaker

Jesuit High School launched its Alumni Speaker Series on Monday (Sept. 14) with a luncheon gathering at the University Club downtown for a presentation from George Franklin ’69.

Franklin, who spent more than 30 years as a lawyer, corporate officer, and lobbyist, entertained and informed Jesuit alumni and guests with details of his professional life working in Washington, D.C. on behalf of cereal giant Kellogg.

Franklin explained how things get done – or don’t get done – in national politics and big corporate business, why it can be so convoluted and gridlocked, and shared many of the insights he has gleaned through three decades of first-hand experiences engaging Congress on behalf of Kellogg.

   George Franklin '69 (center) and members of the Class of 1969 at the University Club downtown on Sept. 14.

He recently authored “Raisin Bran and Other Cereal Wars: 30 Years of Lobbying for the Most Famous Tiger in the World.” It’s an inside look at government relations, an area Franklin says is woefully under-taught at colleges and universities, and filled with behind-the-scenes tales of D.C. deal-making.

While a student at Jesuit, Franklin was actively involved in Student Council and Key Club. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from American University.

Today, Franklin serves on several Boards, including the Moffitt Cancer Center. He also is a former trustee of Western Michigan University, and former member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Advisory Committee.

For information about the Alumni Speaker Series contact Alumni Director Tom Macina '10 at alumni@jesuittampa.org, or (813) 877-5344, ext. 715.

See the photo slideshow and a video excerpt of the beginning of Franklin’s presentation below.