Journalist Milton Friedman, a former speech writer for several U.S. presidents, will speak on the physical and psychological benefits of laughter on Oct. 4 at UNLV.

The lecture, set for 2-4 p.m. in Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, will be followed by a question-and-answer session and reception to be held in the lobby of Ham Hall.

Friedman covered the White House as a journalist after World War II and served as a special assistant to President Ford from 1974 to 1976. He has written presidential speeches during several administrations, and he served in several positions while working for several congressmen.

He holds an honorary doctorate from William and Mary University and served as a visiting scholar and a professor of political science there from 1977 to 1978.

Now retired, Friedman is an active lecturer and author on the subject of consciousness studies. He will be joined by Dr. Raymond Moody, his colleague and the current holder of UNLV's Bigelow Chair of Consciousness Studies, during his upcoming presentation.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, call Linda Jones at 895-1970.