| DISTINGUISHED CARLSON LECTURE SERIES
 Humphrey Institute Hosts Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at University of Minnestoa
The Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs presented the 2009 Distinguished Carlson Lecture featuring Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at Northrop Memorial Auditorium.
Internationally known as Africa’s “Iron Lady,” Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first woman democratically elected to lead an African nation. She previously held several positions at the United Nations, including serving as the first woman to lead the Development Project for Africa.
During the military dictatorship of Samuel Doe, Johnson Sirleaf was charged with treason and imprisoned. She has since been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civil award, for her personal courage and unwavering commitment to expand freedom for and improve the lives of people in Liberia and across Africa.
“Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's story is one of courage and breakthrough,” says Humphrey Institute Dean Brian Atwood. “We traveled together to Africa and I saw firsthand the respect she generated. Standing for President in a country emerging from civil war takes a great deal of courage. Then came the breakthrough: she was the first woman ever elected as an African head of state.We are fortunate indeed to welcome her back to Minnesota to tell her magnificent story as the Distinguished Carlson Lecturer.”
Listen to President Sirleaf's lecture
The Distringuished Carlson Lecture Series is made possible by a gift from Carlson and The Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation. The University of Minnesota's Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs manages the lecture series.
History of the Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series
For more information about the Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series, contact Camille Gage.
MEDIA NOTE: Additional information will be available detailing media access to the event. Please direct all media inquiries to Anne Mason at amason@umn.edu or (612) 625-9436. |
