Nova Southeastern University to Welcome Nobel Laureate Achbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences will welcome Nobel Peace Laureate and human rights activist Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu Friday, Feb. 26 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., in the Don Taft University Center Arena located on NSU’s main campus in Davie.

As part of the college’s Distinguished Speakers Series, Tutu will present “Good vs. Evil: Human Rights or Humans Wronged,” corresponding to the academic theme for 2009–2010, “Good and Evil.” Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is considered by many, to be one of the greatest living moral icons of our time who was a key role player in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“We are extremely honored to host Archbishop Desmond Tutu at our campus,” said Don Rosenblum, Ph.D., dean of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. “Tutu holds a unique position in history. His message of engaging in peaceful resolution to address conflict and oppose injustice is especially relevant to students our—and to our South Florida community. I believe that students will gain personal insights—and inspiration—by listening to Tutu, challenging them to consider ways they can make a difference in their lives and their communities.”

Archbishop Tutu was born in Klerksdorp, South Africa in 1931. Determined to fight inequality, he studied for the Anglican priesthood and was ordained in 1960. From 1962 to 1966, Tutu lived in England and earned a master’s degree in theology. He later taught theology in South Africa and then returned to England to serve as assistant director of the World Council of Churches in London.

In 1984, Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize for his long fight against South African apartheid. Under the system of apartheid—complete separation of the races—the South African government did not extend citizenship rights to blacks. It also implemented an inferior educational system, oppressive passport laws, and the forced relocation of black South Africans.

After earning the Peace Prize, Tutu continued to fight apartheid as the first black Anglican bishop of Johannesburg in 1985 and was elected first black African archbishop of Cape Town in 1986. In 1996, Tutu retired as archbishop of Cape Town, and was named archbishop emeritus.

In 2007, Tutu joined Nelson Mandela, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, retired United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, and former Irish President Mary Robinson to form The Elders, a private effort to mobilize the experience of senior world leaders outside of the conventional diplomatic process.

In 2009, President Barack Obama awarded Tutu the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor—in recognition of his work to promote world peace.

This event is FREE and open to the public; however, tickets are required for admission. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning Monday, Feb. 1, and can be obtained by calling (954) 262-8236. For more information, visit www.fcas.nova.edu/articles/dss/desmondtutu.

Media Contact:
Felecia Henderson, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5315 (office), 954-383-4695 (cell), fhenders@nova.edu