President M. Duane Nellis said George P. Bush — nephew of former President George W. Bush — was selected to speak at University of Idaho’s convocation Friday because he “shares our desire to inspire futures through inclusion and education.”
Friday’s event will be the first convocation for UI.
Brett Morris, director of internal communications said there was one slated for last year, but the “unfortunate shooting occurred and we had to cancel.”
While Bush has no ties to the UI, he was selected by a committee assembled by the Dean of Students Office.
“We always try to get an alum as a preference, but we try to get widely recognized speakers approved for larger events,” Morris said.
Nellis said in a press release that he is honored to bring Bush to Moscow.
“As the son of both a Mexican migrant worker and political powerhouse family, he recognizes and models the dedication and hard work necessary to achieve tangible change by including youth and minorities in the political process,” Nellis said.
Nellis said his background, with ties to the U.S. presidency and migrant workers provides an example showing that success is supported through quality education.
Nellis said this isn’t about politics. “I’ve asked Mr. Bush to share his experiences from the standpoint of promoting better education for all.”
Bush will speak on five topics, according to the convocation website: Lessons I Learned from My Grandfather: The Importance of Public Service, The Challenges Facing the Post-9/11 Generation, The Browning of America: Hispanicization in the 21st Century, Election 2012 & the Changing Political Landscape and Education Reform.
While the focus might be on the keynote speaker, Bruce Pitman, dean of students, said convocation is a celebration of the beginning of a new academic year.
“(It’s) an opportunity for the president to talk about some challenges and goals for the year and an opportunity to welcome new students and parents into the Vandal family,” Pitman said.
Convocation will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the ASUI Kibbie Activity Center. Following the presentations, a BBQ will be held starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Idaho Commons Plaza.
For those unable to attend, the event will be streamed live at uidaho.edu/live.
Katy Sword can be reached at [email protected]