The university is pleased to welcome Clinton, who requested to speak at noon on the Grove stage, UM Chancellor Dan Jones said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an exciting opportunity for our students to hear from a former president about how important it is to have a voice in the political process, and we are honored to have President Clinton here,\u201d Jones said. \u201cHis visit continues the tradition the University of Mississippi has established of welcoming dignitaries from around the world and providing a place where a wide range of views can be expressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2008, the campus hosted the first presidential debate between U.S. Sen. John McCain and now-President Barack Obama. In recent years, the university also has hosted former Secretary of State Colin Powell, His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan, Prince Edward of Great Britain and numerous other distinguished speakers. Just this week, U.S. Rep. Travis Childers and state Sen. Alan Nunnelee participated in a congressional debate on the Ole Miss campus, reinforcing the university\u2019s commitment to providing a forum for political views to be expressed while never endorsing any political candidate.<\/p>\n
The 2008 debate provided Ole Miss students with unparalleled opportunities to learn about the political process firsthand and to witness a portion of history. Jones said Clinton\u2019s appearance also offers students an opportunity to learn more about theAmerican political process and to hear from one of the country\u2019s former leaders.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that our students will take advantage of this special opportunity and that they will come away with a sense of how vital their political involvement is to the future of our country,\u201d Jones said.<\/p>\n