President Clinton to Speak at UB in Spring 2002

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Former President William J. Clinton will speak at the University at Buffalo during the Spring 2002 semester as a "student choice" lecturer.

The 42nd president of the United States is expected to speak on national and world events and take questions from a university audience in Alumni Arena on UB's North (Amherst) Campus.

A date for the lecture will be announced by UB and Clinton's office in early spring.

Clinton responded favorably to an invitation from UB, extended earlier this fall by the university and its undergraduate Student Association and has graciously waived his honorarium.

At the time of the invitation, UB President William R. Greiner noted that students were "especially eager to hear a message of hope and inspiration from the man from Hope" and expect to benefit from the former president's experience, leadership and vision. Student leaders reported President Clinton was their first choice for a speaker this academic year and said no other speaker would generate as much student interest as the former president.

No admission will be charged for the presidential lecture. However, voluntary donations will be accepted by the Student Association at the lecture for the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, a campaign being chaired by Clinton and former Sen. Robert J. Dole. The fund, initiated by the Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America, is designed to provide education assistance for post-secondary education to financially needy dependents of those people killed or permanently disabled as a result of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and during the rescue activities relating to the attacks.

Tickets will be required for Clinton's lecture. They initially will be offered only to UB students, then offered to other members of the campus community, beginning approximately one month before the lecture. Any remaining tickets will be offered to the general public about two weeks after they are first made available on campus. Ticket-distribution information will be announced when the lecture date is established. Tickets will not be available at the door for the event.

Clinton's visit to UB will be coordinated by UB Special Events and sponsored by the undergraduate Student Association.

Former presidents Ford, Carter and Bush lectured at UB after their terms in office. Former President Reagan was unable to appear due to illness.