NEWS RELEASE
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY
************************* Former president of Ireland and UN Commissioner to speak at LSSU
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and former United Nations high commissioner for human rights, will speak on the campus of Lake Superior State University on April 9.
Robinson’s lecture will be the keynote address for the 2011 conference of the Arrowhead Model United Nations April 7-10, which will bring over 300 students and advisors to LSSU from 14 other colleges and universities spanning five states.
A limited number of seats will be available for Robinson's presentation at 8:15 p.m. in the LSSU Arts Center.
Robinson was the first female president of Ireland (1990-1997).
Upon leaving the presidency, she was appointed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to be UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. In this position, which she held from 1997 to 2002, she worked energetically to advance human rights around the world.
One of her special interests was the rights of indigenous peoples.
President Robinson has continued to be active in promoting human rights since leaving the United Nations. She is the co-founder and former chair of the Council of Women World Leaders, as well as the founder of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Global Initiative.
She currently serves as vice president of the Club of Madrid (which promotes democracy worldwide) and honorary president of Oxfam International.
She also serves on many boards, including the Vaccine Fund, the Global Commission on Migration, the Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights, and the International Commission of Jurists.
She recently became a member of The Elders, a group of world leaders who contribute their wisdom, leadership, and integrity to tackling some of the world’s toughest problems. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
In recognition of her many contributions in advancing human rights,Robinson has received numerous honors and awards, including more than 40 honorary doctorates.
In 2004, Amnesty International presented her with its Ambassador of Conscience award.
In 2009, she was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"Mary Robinson is one of the most distinguished speakers to appear in Sault Ste. Marie," said Gary Johnson Ph.D., professor of political science at LSSU. "We were delighted that she accepted our invitation. Our students are excited, and we think the entire community will be pleased."
A limited number of free tickets are available for Robinson's presentation and may be reserved by calling 906-635-2602.
Reserved tickets must be picked up by 8 p.m. on April 9.
This event is supported by grants from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the LSSU Issues and Intellect Committee, the LSSU King-Chavez-Parks Visiting Professor Fund, and the LSSU Cultural Affairs Committee.
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