Author, attorney, and diplomat Caroline Kennedy has been selected as keynote speaker at Judson University's 2019 World Leaders Forum.
She is the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, and served as U.S. ambassador to Japan under former President Barack Obama.
"Judson University is honored to welcome ambassador Kennedy to our community for an important discussion about values, political courage, and service," said Judson president Gene Crume.
Ms. Kennedy, a prominent progressive, will be interviewed by culturally conservative commentator Eric Metaxas, host of a nationally syndicated radio show.
The format will be similar to last year's World Leaders Forum, which featured a lively but civil discussion between Democrat Howard Dean, the former governor of Vermont; and Republican Newt Gingrich, ex-speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Previous keynote speakers at the forum included former President George W. Bush, ex-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair, then-President Felipe Calderón of Mexico, and Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.
Because of the increasing popularity of the event, it will not be held this year at Judson's Elgin campus. Instead, the forum will take place at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, at 7 p.m. on October 8. A VIP reception will precede the program at 5 p.m.
Ms. Kennedy was the first female ambassador to Japan, facilitating the U.S. military's return of land on Okinawa to that country, advocating for the participation of Japanese women in business and politics, and playing a pivotal role in President Obama's historic visit to Hiroshima.
She has authored, co-authored, or edited more than a dozen books on American history, politics, constitutional law, and poetry. She also serves as president and director of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, and is a member of the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Mr. Metaxas is a bestselling author, whose works include "Martin Luther," "If You Can Keep It," "Bonhoeffer," "Amazing Grace," and "Miracles." A senior fellow and lecturer at King's College in New York City, he is host of Socrates in the City, an acclaimed series of conversations on "life, God and other small topics," which has featured Canadian journalist Malcolm Gladwell, TV talk-show host Dick Cavett, and British theologian Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, among many others.
Said Judson president Crume: "By hosting this conversation with Eric Metaxas and Socrates in the City, we are presenting our campus and community with an opportunity to consider life's biggest questions."
The goal of the World Leaders Forum is to offer Judson students and the Chicagoland community an opportunity to be inspired by significant thought leaders.
Proceeds from the event will continually fund the Judson Leadership Scholars program, innovative entrepreneurial activities, and ongoing operations of the World Leaders Forum, as well as benefit the higher education of youth in foster care by providing programs and educational opportunities at Judson University.
Tickets to the 2019 World Leaders Forum program and VIP reception are available to the public starting April 1. For ticketing and sponsorship information, visit www.WorldLeadersForum.info.
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