Poet Maya Angelou to give keynote address at SU Women’s Leadership Program

Poet Maya Angelou to give keynote address at SUWomen’s Leadership ProgramOctober 18, 2004Michele Barrettmibarret@syr.edu

Note to editor: The first five minutes of Angelou’s presentation will be open to flash photography. Because of contractual obligations, audio- and videotaping will not be allowed, and she will not be available for interviews before or after the event. Journalists who wish to cover the presentation should contact SU News Services, (315) 443-3784.

Celebrated poet, author and artist Maya Angelou will provide the keynote address for the Syracuse University Division of Student Affairs’ 2004 Women’s Leadership Program, to be held Nov. 4 from 3-5 p.m. in the Goldstein Auditorium at Schine Student Center. The theme of this year’s program, “Celebrating the Phenomenal Woman,” is modeled after Angelou’s poem titled “Phenomenal Woman,” from her book, “And Still I Rise” (1978). The event will be open to the public, with tickets going on sale Oct. 18 at the Schine Box Office. Student, faculty and staff tickets are $5; tickets for the public are $8. Angelou’s appearance is presented as a reflection of the inaugural theme, “University as Public Good: Exploring the Soul of Syracuse.”

As part of the program, the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning will present the 2004 Women of Distinction Awards. First introduced last year, the awards recognize the efforts of current SU undergraduate women who best embody the University’s core values.

“The timing of Angelou’s visit to SU and the presentation of these special awards for our students is perfect as the campus community and our neighbors join together to celebrate the inauguration of a true role model for women’s leadership, Chancellor Nancy Cantor,” says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs.

Wells adds, “It is an honor to have Angelou with us to share her legendary wisdom, which undoubtedly will inspire the audience to explore new perspectives.”

The Women’s Leadership Program has evolved over the past 14 years and is held annually to promote and recognize the role that women play as leaders on the Syracuse University campus and in the local community. This year’s program and keynote address will focus on how women in leadership roles can contribute on a local, national and global level. It is co-chaired by Laurel Reed-Rosch, associate director for leadership programs in the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning; and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications student Meredith Marquez.

Angelou is an educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director who continues to travel the world and captivate audiences with her artistry and messages. She is the author of numerous best-selling publications, including “A Song Flung Up To Heaven”(2002). Angelou is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, including recognition from Brandeis University, Brown University, Columbia University, Northeastern University, and Wake Forest University. She is decorated with many distinguished honors, including the Presidential Medal of Arts (2000), Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature (1999), Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album (1994), and the Essence Magazine Woman of the Year (1992).

“Dr. Angelou was selected because of her preeminent position in the world of arts and letters,” says Anastasia L. Urtz, dean of students. “During this inaugural year, we are focusing on the role of the arts in celebrating our diversity and connecting us to the broader community. Maya Angelou’s career presents an outstanding model for our collective exploration of the ‘Soul of Syracuse.'”

For more information on the 2004 Women’s Leadership Program, visit http://students.syr.edu/depts/glel/leadership_women.html or contact the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning at 443-2718.