Former First Lady Laura Bush will speak at 8 p.m. Oct. 10 in Alumni Arena, North Campus, as part of UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series.

The wife of former president George W. Bush, Laura Bush is recognized in her own right as a champion of children’s education, human rights and health care initiatives both here and abroad, among them the “Ready to Read, Ready to Learn” initiative and global literacy programs. Her efforts have earned her honors from the United Nations, the Elie Wiesel Foundation, the Kuwait-American Foundation, Vanderbilt University, the American Library Association and many other groups.

Bush has never courted controversy and revealed little of herself to the public during her husband’s administration. Post-administration commentators and readers of her autobiographical book, “Spoken from the Heart,” however, have found that the former First Lady definitely has a mind of her own and supports a number of progressive positions, such as those on Roe v. Wade, same-sex marriage, Elena Kagan’s appointment to the Supreme Court and disagreement with Arizona’s immigration law.

Tickets for Bush’s lecture may be purchased through the Alumni Arena ticket office, visiting Ticketmaster.com or calling TicketMaster at 1-800-745-3000.

Discount vouchers are available for all current and retired UB faculty and staff through TIAA-CREF, and to all members of United University Professions (UUP). Vouchers are valid only at campus ticket offices. Visit the “tickets” page on the Distinguished Speakers Series website for more information.

UB undergraduates and GSA-represented graduate students are eligible for a free ticket, while supplies last. UB undergrads may pick up a free ticket in the SA Office in 350 Student Union; GSA-represented grad students may pick up a free ticket at the SBI Ticket Office in 221 Student Union. One ticket per student; UB ID required.