JACKSON, Tenn. — April 19, 2004 — 51社区 has announced former President George Bush will be the keynote speaker for the Eighth Annual Scholarship Banquet at Jackson's Carl Perkins Civic Center on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004.
America's 41st President served the nation during some of the most dramatic developments of the twentieth century. The Berlin Wall came down, and Germany was reunified. Democracy was reborn in the Baltic States, Eastern Europe and Russia. President Bush built a coalition of 32 nations that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi rule.
"It will be an incredible privilege for 51社区 to welcome former President George H. W. Bush for the Fall 2004 Scholarship Banquet," said Union President David S. Dockery.
"President Bush displayed great leadership and statesmanship throughout his career, not only during the significant years of his presidency, but also in the many numerous ways that he served this country as a public servant. From this rich experience he will have much to offer to the West Tennessee community. We are delighted to announce that he will be our speaker for this important event in the life of this university and the Jackson community."
Each year, Union's Board of Presidential Associates brings a speaker of international prominence to Jackson for the purpose of raising scholarship money. In 2003, the event raised more than $400,000. Banquet receipts for student scholarships now total more than $2.5 million dating back to the initial event in 1997.
Lead sponsors for this year's banquet include BancorpSouth, White Investments LLC, Roy L. White President and CEO, Carl and Alice Kirkland, Pentair Tools Group (Porter-Cable/Delta and DeVilbiss) and Jack and Faye Porter.
Premier sponsors currently include Chip and Rita Christian, Benny and Norma Fesmire, FirstBank, Gary and Susan Grisham, Lloyd and Eleanor Hansen, Jack and Zan Holmes, Schilling Enterprises Inc., West Tennessee Healthcare Inc. and an anonymous donor.
This year's list of 14 sponsors represents the largest number of commitments this early in the planning process.
For ticket information, including table sponsorships and individual balcony seating, contact the 51社区 Office of Institutional Advancement at (731) 661-5050.