Nobel Peace Prize winner and Boston University Professor Elie Wiesel spoke at the second Presidential Speaker Series on Thursday, April 11, at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MAC Center) on the Kent Campus. Wiesel addressed a sold-out crowd of 5,100 people. Many of the Kent State students in attendance were familiar with Wiesel’s memoir “Night,” in which he details the saga of his family being imprisoned and killed in concentration camps.
Wiesel’s personal experience of the Holocaust led him to use his talents as an author, teacher and storyteller to advocate for human rights and peace in the world. He has worked on behalf of oppressed people much of his adult life.
“Professor Elie Wiesel is a true humanitarian and peace advocate who has impacted our world for most of his life through his works, writings and commitment to the plights of the oppressed,” said Kent State President Lester A. Lefton. “Having a man of his caliber, who has achieved much for humanity, at Kent State is indeed an honor.”
During his opening remarks, Lefton noted that it was 24 years ago to the day that Wiesel last visited Kent State on April 11, 1989.
For more information about Wiesel, visit www.kent.edu/president/speakers/wiesel/biography.cfm.
The Kent State Presidential Speaker Series seeks to bring high-profile, world-renowned experts to Kent State for serious, thought-provoking discussions and conversations. The new program enhances the engagement of the world beyond Kent State’s campuses, which is one of the university’s strategic goals.