Judson's spring World Leaders Forum to feature two speakers
Breaking with tradition, two speakers instead of one will headline Judson University's 2018 World Leaders Forum in the spring.
Judson President Gene Crume said the speakers will be revealed Oct. 19.
"It's going to be different," Crume said. "It is going to be unique."
He made the announcement Monday at the World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series where author, magician and cancer survivor Jim Munroe shared his story of spiritual awakening.
The inspirational series grew out of Judson's signature fundraising event, the World Leaders Forum, which in years past has featured several former world leaders: former President George W. Bush, former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Mexican President Felipe Calderón, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Queen Noor of Jordan.
This year's forum was canceled after planned speaker Ben Carson bowed out in January. The former Republican presidential candidate was unable to keynote the April 20 event because of his nomination to serve as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Officials explored numerous options but were unable to secure a speaker on short notice.
Crume said next spring's speakers will keep with the theme of Munroe's inspirational talk focusing on "how do we bring people together."
Forum proceeds support entrepreneurial programs and initiatives and scholarships at the Elgin university.