ORANGE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2009 – Chapman University will honor former U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell at the Global Citizen Gala on the Chapman campus in Orange on Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Powell will receive the university’s highest honor for a statesman/world leader, the Global Citizen Medal, and is scheduled to give the event’s keynote address. Tickets, tables and sponsorships are available now – call 714-744-7958 or visit www.chapman.edu/powell for more information. Proceeds from the gala will go to the Chapman Scholarship Fund to assist deserving students.

Previous world leaders honored at Chapman’s Global Citizen Galas have included Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Spain’s President José Maria Aznar.

Preceding the gala, at 6 p.m., Chapman will hold a reception and dedication ceremony for the new Ambassador George L. Argyros Global Citizens Plaza. The circular plaza, located just west of the university’s recently opened Zee Allred Aquatics Center, includes a fountain centered by a large rotating stainless-steel sphere representing the globe, surrounded by the flags of many nations.

Nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the Senate, Colin L. Powell became the 65th U.S. Secretary of State in 2001 and served a full four-year term. Known for his moderate approach to military issues and his success with past Republican administrations, he is admired among both Democrats and Republicans.

A 35-year professional soldier, Powell received numerous military awards, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and rose to the rank of four-star general. In 1987, he became assistant to the President for national security affairs and in 1989, was named Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During his tenure, he oversaw 28 crises, including Operation Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf War. Prior to serving as Secretary of State, Powell was the founding chairman of America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, a national organization committed to rallying all sectors of America to build the character and competence of its youth.

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