SPEAKERS| President Mikhail Gorbachev

A Conversation with Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev at The Wortham Center in Houston, Texas November 1, 2012 at 7:00p.m.

HOUSTON—Brilliant Lecture Series announces former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev as an upcoming speaker in their “Conversations with Brilliance” program, to be held November 1 at 7 p.m. in Wortham Theater Center. Brilliant Lecture Series brought George Clooney to Houston in May and Betty White in September.  From son of a Ukrainian-Russian family to President of the former Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev is a tireless advocate for peace,” BLS founding director Scott Brogan said. “A Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, president of The Gorbachev Foundation and Founder of Green Cross International, President Gorbachev is a shining example of achieving greatness despite his most modest roots.”  “The Brilliant Lecture Series is honored to welcome President Gorbachev to Houston to share his message for a just, sustainable, and secure future for all,” Brogan said.  Mikhail Gorbachev served as leader of the Soviet Union from 1985-1991 and is admired internationally for streamlining and decentralizing the system he inherited. In an effort to secure relations with the West, Gorbachev signed two broad disarmament pacts and ended Communist rule in Eastern Europe.

As a result of his achievements, Gorbachev was the recipient of the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize, the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner of Labor and the Badge of Honor. He formed The Gorbachev Foundation in 1992, a nonprofit, non-partisan educational foundation that aims to articulate and address the challenges of the post Cold War world through a program of advocacy, research and education.  In 1993, Gorbachev founded Green Cross International, an environmental organization with a mission to change the values, actions and attitudes of government, the private sector, civil society and people at large so to ensure a sustainable future for humanity.  “The Brilliant Lecture Series continues to bring the most fascinating people in the world to Houston to share their unique and inspiring life stories,” BLS Director Scott Brogan said. “For the young and the young at heart, our audience discovers the personal journey behind the public persona of our iconic guests.”  After graduating from Moscow State University with a law degree, Gorbachev joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1952, and acted as First Secretary for the Stavropol Komsomol City Committee from 1955 to 1958.

President Gorbachev’s accomplishments in the world of politics helped usher the world out of the cold war and into a new era.  We here at the Brilliant Lecture Series believe that President Gorbachev still has so much to teach in the way of politics and peace so we were delighted to host him as one of our lecture series participants.  His work inspired so many to come and hear him speak and he was quite honored to tell his story and share his ideas with such an attentive crowd.  There was a feeling of camaraderie at the Wortham Center that night as we were all set to learn from each other.   

The night was a success and President Gorbachev was flanked by admirers and constituents form other nations including Ambassador Edward Djerejian who has been in the U.S. government from 1962 – 1994. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had the opportunity to learn very much about politics and world peace.  Here are some of the reviews from our patrons:

Reviews

“This conversation with President Gorbachev was a great insight in Globalization and World Peace perspectives for today.” 

“I think it helped people who have not traveled internationally much, to realize we are more alike than different as individuals. He brought warmth to those curious about Russians and helped to open the eyes of those who listened carefully.”

“The opportunity for children/kids to see an amazing part of history - not just from an educational standpoint, but to see what they can accomplish themselves. Your programs are amazing!”

“I'm biased towards public policy issues/speakers as well as business...but you have provided such amazing entertainers with incredible stories as well (Sidney P, Betty W). Whomever you choose will be sure to provide an amazing hour of learning.” 

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