I get used to all the big names coming to the Claremont Colleges for lectures, all of them within walking distance from your humble blogger.

But the University of La Verne is getting into the act, next Tuesday bringing out Tavis Smiley. Smiley has a PBS talk show and an NPR radio show and has authored 11 books, including the soon to be released “Accountable: Making America As Good As its Promise.”

In your face, Claremont!

Smiley’s talk is free, but you need to reserve a seat, pronto. To do so, call Christina Massengale at (909) 593-3511, ext. 4682.

The talk begins at 7:30 p.m. in Founders Hall Auditorium. Maps, directions and campus parking information are available at www.ulv.edu/maps.