Mikhail Gorbachev, a Nobel Prize winner and last president of the Soviet Union, will appear in Elgin at Judson University's World Leader's Forum on April 21.

The World Leader's Forum debuted last year with former President George W. Bush as guest speaker.
The World Leaders Forum will feature a VIP Keynote and Reception at 3:30 p.m. in the Betty Lindner Campus Commons of Judson’s Elgin campus (1151 N. State St.). A second speech will follow for Judson’s students, faculty, staff and alumni at 5:30 p.m. in Herrick Chapel.
“We’re very excited to welcome a leader of President Gorbachev’s stature and world impact to Judson University,” said John Shales, a Judson University Trustee and chair of the World Leaders Forum Planning Committee.
For the VIP event, President Gorbachev’s keynote presentation will address “Leadership Insights: My Time with Ronald Reagan.” A Q&A will follow the presentation. Prior to the keynote address, attendees and sponsors will have an opportunity to network.
All attendees of the VIP event will receive an autographed photo of President Gorbachev and an autographed book written by President Gorbachev.
Sponsors of the event will be able to have a photograph with President Gorbachev and enjoy other benefits. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the World Leaders Forum.
Forum leaders believe that this year’s event will continue to bring community, business and political leaders together through the VIP Keynote and Reception, which has tickets available to the public. Doors open at 2:45 p.m. for this event. For ticketing and sponsorship information, visit www.WorldLeadersForum.info.
President Gorbachev experienced significant social, economic and political changes while he was leader of the former Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991. While in office, he met frequently with then U.S. President Ronald Reagan to discuss global concerns and the impact of the ongoing arms race between the two countries.
Recognizing that the Soviet Union needed political and economic reform, he introduced to the world two new words: perestroika (government restructuring) and glasnost (political openness).
His leadership eventually contributed to the end of the Cold War and brought about widespread change in the policies and political structures of Eastern Europe and the world.