ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University will welcome internationally renowned author and advocate Loung Ung as the keynote speaker for the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.

“Loung Ung has a remarkable story to share, and it will inspire and challenge us all,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program. Ung is the bestselling author of “First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers,” a memoir chronicling her survival of the Cambodian genocide. In 2017, the book was adapted into a Netflix Original Movie directed by Angelina Jolie, with Ung serving as co-writer for the screenplay.

“I am honored that ‘First They Killed My Father’ has been chosen as the Common Read at Northern State University,” Ung said. “Sharing stories helps us connect, foster empathy, and better understand the struggles and resilience of others. I hope this book inspires meaningful conversations about history, humanity, and the power of perseverance.”

Born in Phnom Penh in 1970, Ung was 5 when the Khmer Rouge came to power and her family was forced from their home. Over the next four years, she endured the tragic loss of her parents and two siblings. She and her older brother later escaped to Thailand and eventually resettled in the United States.

In addition to her first memoir, Ung wrote “Lucky Child” and “Lulu in the Sky,” which reflect on survival, family, and personal growth. Her books have been translated into 15 languages and are widely used in schools and universities worldwide. She served as an advocate and spokesperson for the Campaign for a Landmine-Free World, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, and was named one of the “100 Global Youth Leaders of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum.

The Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture offers attendees the chance to hear Ung reflect on her life, the power of storytelling, and the lessons she has learned along the way. A Q&A will follow.

Copies of “First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers” is available for purchase for $16 plus tax in the NSU Wolf Shoppe, located on the first floor of the Student Center.

For more information, contact Dr. Hannah Walters at hannah.walters@northern.edu

About the Northern Common Read

Now in its 16th year, the Common Read is Northern State University’s largest academic event, promoting intellectual growth and meaningful dialogue within the campus and Aberdeen community. The Common Read culminates with the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Lecture, funded in part by the Poeppel Family endowment with additional support from the Marlene and Clayton Olson Endowment. The NSU Honors Program would like to thank all of the donors and supporters who help make the Common Read program successful.