Helen Thomas went from Wayne State University to copygirl at the Washington Daily News to an icon in the world of journalism. As White House correspondent for United Press International, Thomas has covered every American president since John F. Kennedy and, at 78 with no thought of retirement, still closes every presidential news conference with, "Thank you, Mr. President."

The 1942 WSU graduate will be at Wayne State May 13 to sign her second book, Front Row at the White House.

Thomas will offer remarks on her work at a reception in the Alumni House/McGregor Center complex from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13. The public is invited.

Subtitled My Life and Times, the book is an autobiographical account of four decades covering the American presidents and their wives, from John and Jackie Kennedy to Bill and Hillary Clinton. In a remark reflecting on her influence in American politics, President Clinton joked at a Gridiron Club dinner that, "Helen's been in Washington so long, she remembers when the Electoral College was a high school."

Reporter Dan Rather says of her, "Helen Thomas is not only one of the smartest and savviest Washington reporters ever, she's also one of the most admired and this book tells you why . . ."