Dalai Lama to Lecture at the University of Michigan

The University of Michigan has announced that the Dalai Lama will be visiting in April to give a lecture on sustainability. The lecture on April 20, 2008, will be part of the Wege lectures series. giving at the University of Michigan turns his attention to the issue of sustainability in connection with Earth Day.

The Tibetan Buddhist leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner is best known for advocacy of human rights and world peace. The co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS) at the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE), Greg Keoleian, said the topics align naturally.

"A billion people don't have access to clean water, and almost 2 billion don't have access to electricity," Keoleian said. "Encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility to address global sustainability challenges is central to the Dalai Lama's message."

The Wege Lecture is held annually by the the CSS of the Office of the President inviting internationally recognized figures as speakers. Al Gore and the executive chairman of Ford Motor Co., have been recent lecturers. University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman expressed the university's honor at the Dalai Lama's visit to Michigan.

"The University is eager to welcome the Dalai Lama to campus for a return visit," said Coleman. "He is an extraordinary leader whose unwavering support of human rights and the environment makes him an exceptional choice to address the campus community as the Wege lecturer."

The Dean of the SNRE, Rosina Bierbaum said: "For decades, the Dalai Lama has spoken about how 'the world is smaller and more interdependent,' and how we need to 'cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. The increasing urgency of confronting climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty and famine make his message extraordinarily timely."

The Dalai Lama will also hold teaching sessions sponsored by a local Buddhist center, Jewel Heart, the Tibet Fun, and the Garrison Institute the weekend of the lecture . The sponsors have established a website for more information: www.DalaiLamaAnnArbor.com.

The spiritual leader was recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. President Bush attended and described him as "a universal symbol of peace and tolerance, a shepherd for the faithful, and the keeper of the flame for his people."

Born Tenzin Gyatso, the spiritual leader was designated the "Buddha of Compassion" and the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at only 2 years old. He has been exiled from Tibet and living in northern India since 1959, after peace negotiations with China broke down.

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University of Michigan, Dalai Lama To Deliver U-M Wege Lecture In April