Former Soviet president will headline World Leaders Forum
Mikhail Gorbachev, the former president of the Soviet Union whose economic and political reforms led to widespread change in Eastern European politics in the 1980s, will present the keynote address at the second annual Judson University World Leaders Forum on Saturday, April 21.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner will deliver two speeches during the forum. The first is a VIP Keynote and Reception at 3:30 p.m. in the Betty Lindner Campus Commons of Judson’s Elgin campus at 1151 N. State St. A second speech will follow for Judson’s students, faculty, staff and alumni at 5:30 p.m. in Herrick Chapel.
The VIP speech, open to sponsors and other dignitaries, will delve into Gorbachev’s relationship with then-President Reagan, with whom Gorbachev met frequently to discuss global concerns and the ongoing arms race between the two countries.
Students, faculty, and alumni can attend a Leadership Forum in which Gorbachev will address leadership in the 21st century. Question and answer sessions will follow each address.
“We’re very excited to welcome a leader of President Gorbachev’s stature and world impact to Judson University,” said John Shales, a Judson University Trustee and chair of the World Leaders Forum Planning Committee.
Gorbachev, the leader of the former Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991, introduced two new words to the world: perestroika (government restructuring) and glasnost (political openness).
His efforts led to the end of the Cold War, reduced the number of nuclear weapons in Europe and ended the Soviet’s war in Afghanistan. Gorbachev received the Nobel Prize in 1990.
At its inaugural World Leaders Forum last spring, Judson hosted former President George W. Bush. More than 1,300 people attended the event, in which Bush recounted his time in the White House and visits with other global leaders, including Russian Leader Vladimir Putin.
Tickets to the forum are limited to Judson University students, faculty, staff and alumni. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information can be found at http://www.worldleadersforum.info/.