Dozens of distinguished speakers, including former President Abdul Kalam of India and humanitarian Alison Thompson, will present talks at the 麻豆原创 this year hosted by 麻豆原创鈥檚 Global Perspectives Office.

The presentations are part of the office鈥檚 mission to sharpen 麻豆原创鈥檚 international focus. Global Perspectives recently celebrated 10 years of advancing global initiatives at the university and is entering its second decade with a robust programming schedule.

Each event connects to the office鈥檚 annual theme for 2012-2013, 鈥淭he Changing Face of Freedom in Today鈥檚 Turbulent Times.鈥� The theme is a natural development from last year鈥檚: 鈥淧eople Power, Politics and Global Change.鈥�

Kicking off the season are two speakers who soften serious observations about political crises with a bit of humor. Doug McMarlin and Jason Recher will share their experiences as conservative political strategists and former White House aides. Drawing from their inside look at how the White House handles national and global crises, the duo will discuss lessons for political leaders.

The event will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 聽4, in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the 麻豆原创 Student Union.

This semester鈥檚 other highlights, which are free and open to the public, include:

  • Former President Abdul Kalam of India, who will present 鈥淪ustainable Development for 3 Billion,鈥� at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union.
  • Kenyan human-rights activist Chris Mburu, who will present 鈥淭he Right to Education: A Solution to Global Problems,鈥� at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the Student Union.
  • Humanitarian and author Alison Thompson, who will be featured in the annual Women and Leadership forum, with the theme 鈥淩eaching out to Touch the World,鈥� at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the Student Union.
  • Lawyer and author Corban Addison, who will present, 鈥淎 Walk Across the Sun: Abolishing Modern Slavery,鈥� at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the Student Union.

    • For a full list of upcoming events or to learn more about the Global Perspectives Office, visit .