Alice Walker, short-story writer and author of The Color Purple, will speak at 8 tonight in Eisenhower Auditorium as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS).

Walker received the American Book Award and Pulitzer Prize in 1983 for her fiction novel The Color Purple, about the life of a poor black woman. In 1986, the book was made into a movie directed by Steven Spielberg.

DSS Committee Chair Matt Midles said students can expect an interesting lecture from Walker, whom he called "a groundbreaking figure."

"You can read The Color Purple in English, comparative lit or women's studies, or you can go to the event and meet the woman who wrote the novel," Midles said. "It's a tremendous opportunity for the Penn State community."

Throughout her career, Walker has written four other novels, including Possessing the Secret of Joy, which spent 15 weeks on The New York Times best-sellers list.

She has also completed two collections of essays, numerous volumes of poetry, two children's books and two collections of short stores.

Walker's writing is known for its portrayal of the lives of black women. Her novels and short stories deal with themes including rape, violence, isolation, troubled relationships, sexism and racism.

Walker has spoken for the women's movement, the anti-apartheid movement and the anti-nuclear movement. She has also spoken out against female genital mutilation.

Midles said DSS give students a "real world" experience right on Penn State's campus.

"The Distinguished Speaker Series is important for the students of Penn State because it provides them with exposure to significant figures in their field of study," Midles said.

Penn State spokesman Geoff Rushton said Walker's appearance is an important addition to the series' lineup.

"This year alone has seen the series bring important players in the national political landscape and national media, and now Walker, who is one of our nation's most revered authors," Rushton said.

Tickets for the event are free and may be obtained at the Eisenhower Auditorium box office, the HUB-Robeson Center and the Penn State Downtown Theater Center, 127 S. Allen St.