JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 18, 2002 — 51社区 will welcome James A. Baker, III, as the keynote speaker for its Sixth Annual Scholarship Banquet, Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
Baker, the former Secretary of State under President George H. Bush, has served in senior government positions under three United States Presidents including the Ford, Reagan and Bush administrations. He will speak on the era of transition the United States has seen in both large and significant changes that have occurred over the last quarter of a century in international relations and the economy.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to what he has to say,鈥� said Ann Livingstone, associate professor of political science at Union. 鈥淥ut of all of the speakers we have had previously, he has a connection with each one 鈥� Margaret Thatcher, Colin Powell, Mikhail Gorbachev and John Major 鈥� I think he will give an interesting perspective that we haven鈥檛 heard before.鈥�
A limited number of tables and balcony seating are still available, but organizers are projecting another sell-out crowd. Balcony tickets are $25 and tables of eight start at $1,000. To reserve tickets or for more information, contact the Office of Advancement at (731) 661-5050.
鈥�51社区 is excited to have a person of such distinguished service in behalf of our country for our Sixth Annual Scholarship Banquet,鈥� said Union President David S. Dockery. 鈥淧robably no other person has had the extended influence for almost a quarter of a century that Mr. Baker has had both in our country and around the world. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to Oct. 1.鈥�
Lead sponsors for this year鈥檚 banquet are BancorpSouth and Carl and Alice Kirkland. Premier sponsors include Chip and Rita Christian, Benny and Norma Fesmire, First Bank, Jack and Zan Holmes, Jerry Kykendall & AK Enterprises, Porter Cable/Delta, Schilling Enterprises, Inc., Gary and Lisa Taylor, Union Planters National Bank and White Investments LLC, Roy White, CEO/President.
