 Jackson, Tenn. – September
20, 2000 – Former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev will be the
keynote speaker for the university's annual Scholarship Banquet, scheduled
for Tues., Oct. 10, at the Jackson-Madison County Convention Center. He
will speak on the decline of communism and the Soviet Union. Gorbachev,
who led the former world power from 1985-1991, is credited with
streamlining and decentralizing the oppressive system he inherited, ending
Communist rule in Eastern Europe. As a result of his extraordinary
achievements, Gorbachev was the recipient of the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize.
"Through this annual event, Union has established a tradition of
bringing to Jackson, individuals who have helped shape our world. Clearly,
Mr. Gorbachev has been one of the pivotal figures of the 20th century, and
his actions have changed the world for the better," explains Union
President David S. Dockery.
Dockery points out that Gorbachev will be the third world leader in
three years that has visited Union. Previous speakers include Margaret
Thatcher and Colin Powell. The first speaker in 1997 was former Notre Dame
head football coach Lou Holtz.
The Scholarship Banquet is an annual event sponsored by Union's Board
of Presidential Associates for the purpose of raising funds to provide
scholarships. More than 80% of all Union students receive some type of
financial assistance from the university.
For more information on obtaining tickets, contact Union's Office of
Advancement at (901) 661-5050.
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