A third speaker with ties to the White House will be speaking at the University of California, Merced in October in an event coordinated by university students.
“We are very proud of our students for once again taking the initiative to bring to their campus someone they truly look up to and respect,” said Steve Kang, UC Merced chancellor. “We have a strong diversity of cultures and viewpoints on our campus, and we welcome what should be a spirited appearance by Mr. Rove.”
Rove served as a deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President George W. Bush. Rove will be the third speaker from the White House to come to UC Merced since its opening. Prior to Rove’s expected appearance, First Lady Michelle Obama and President Jimmy Carter made an appearance at UC Merced. Obama was the keynote speaker at UC Merced’s 2009 commencement ceremony and was brought to the university after a student-led campaign. Carter visited in May to take part in the National Parks Institute seminar and receive the university’s Spendlove Prize for 2010.
Students active in the College Republicans at UC Merced coordinated Rove’s expected appearance where he will deliver a speech and take part in a question-and-answer session afterward. Rove will also hold a book signing.
The event will take place beginning at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 in the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center on campus. There will be tickets distributed to about 325 students during the fall semester on a first-come, first-served basis. About 400 tickets will be available to the general public at the cost of $35 per person.
Rove’s speaking fee is $25,000 with ticket sales paying for some of the fee. The remainder of the fee will be paid by the Associated Students of UC Merced, which has of an annual budget of $420,000 that comes from student fees and goes toward student services, clubs and other activities. Any potential additional costs will be paid through fundraising done by the College Republicans.
“There will be no cost to the university for this event,” stated a UC Merced press release.
To purchase tickets for the Rove event, visit http://www.KarlRoveatUCMerced.com.
To contact Maegan Martens, e-mail mmartens@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.
