The University of South Carolina’s Folks Center for International Business will feature a discussion with Eleanor Beardsley, an NPR Paris correspondent, about the political aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the European Union.

For The Politics of COVID-19 in the European Union: Notes from the Frontline event, UofSC alumna Beardsley (MIBS) will share her perspective on the pandemic as a top international journalist. Beardsley reports on all aspects of French society, politics, economics, culture and gastronomy for National Public Radio as part of the NPR Europe reporting team. Before residing in Paris, the South Carolina native traveled throughout Europe, North Africa, Ukraine and Scandinavia to cover breaking news. She previously worked with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and as a staff assistant to late South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond.

The event is sponsored by The Rachel and Jim Hodges Fund, generously given by the former South Carolina governor and his wife. The Folks Center discussion will be held virtually on Zoom from 4-5:15 p.m. March 10 and is free and open to the public. Register and learn more by visiting bit.ly/beardsley21.