Media Advisory: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to Speak at UB

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will speak at the University at Buffalo at 8 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009) in Alumni Arena on the UB North (Amherst) Campus as part of the 2009-10 Distinguished Speakers Series.

Blair, the series' Graduate Student Choice Speaker, currently serves as a representative of the Middle East Quartet, the foursome of nations and international and supranational entities involved in mediating the peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is the subject of several books, including "Blair Unbound." The lecture is sponsored by Hodgson Russ Attorneys LLP.

Blair is not available for interviews. However, members of the media are invited to participate in a five-minute photo opportunity with Blair and UB President John B. Simpson at 6:20 p.m. in the UB Art Gallery in the Center for the Arts on the North Campus.

During Blair's 8 p.m. lecture, audio and/or visual photography, as well as still photography, will be limited to the first five minutes of the program.

Working media may reserve tickets for the program by contacting Christine Vidal in the Office of University Communication, at 645-4607 no later than noon today (Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009). Reserved tickets may be picked up at the will-call window in Alumni Arena prior to the lecture.