Former US Census Bureau director to headline WSU survey research center’s 55th anniversary

Closeup of Robert L. Santos.
Robert L. Santos, former director of the U.S. Census Bureau

The Social and Economic Sciences Research Center (SESRC) at Washington State University will mark its 55th anniversary on Sept. 24 with a keynote address from Robert L. Santos, former director of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Santos will speak on “Pursuing Excellence: A Rocky, Twisty Journey of Discovery in Statistics and Research” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center in Pullman. A reception will follow the talk from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Founded in 1970, the SESRC has become the largest university-based survey research center in the Pacific Northwest. Its work has influenced public policy, program evaluation, and survey science, from Don Dillman’s groundbreaking “Total Design Method” in 1978 to the data collection and analysis innovations used today.

The anniversary celebration will also include an open house at the SESRC Data Collection Unit from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at WSU Research Park, 1615 NE Eastgate Blvd., Section F.

All events are free and open to the public. More information is available on the SESRC 55th Anniversary website.

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