Tony Blair to speak at Judson University

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair addresses the delegates at the Iraq Britain Business Council annual conference in central London in November. Blair will be in Elgin to speak at Judson University in April. Associated Press

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair will headline Judson University's third World Leaders Forum in April, according to the school's website.

Mary Dulabaum, director of marketing and communications, said the official community announcement will be made Tuesday, but students got the news Monday in chapel.

Blair will follow past keynote addresses by Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union, and former President George W. Bush, the forum's 2011 inaugural speaker.

A VIP event will feature Blair's private keynote address, Leadership Insights: Faith, Power and the Post Modern World, according to the World Leaders Forum website. VIP attendees will receive an autographed book by Blair, a commemorative gift and a photo opportunity with the former prime minister. Cost is $2,000.

In a separate community event, for which tickets cost $65 to $100, Blair will give a presentation and answer audience questions.

Blair was prime minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1997 to 2007. He continues to work on the international stage, aiding peace efforts in the Middle East, improving governance in Africa and searching for solutions to climate change, according to the forum website's bio of the world leader.

The goal of the annual event is to "inspire and ignite a flame of leadership for all who attend," the website said.

The forum will be held April 12 with proceeds to go toward creation of an Entrepreneurial Studies Program at Judson. Tickets are available for purchase at judsonu.edu/wlf.