F.W. de Klerk, the former president of South Africa who was instrumental in dismantling that country's century-old system of apartheid, will speak on "Bridging the Gap: Globalization Without Isolation" at Denison. The Denison Lecture Fund is sponsoring his appearance at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, in Swasey Chapel (200 Chapel Dr.). The lecture is free and open to the public.

de Klerk predicts that globalization and the persistence of ethnic and religious conflicts will dominate the next decade. Emphasizing the need for wealthy countries to assist underdeveloped nations, de Klerk will address global conflicts and the need for developed countries to help promote economic growth in the world.

Despite resistance from South Africa's white leadership and populace, de Klerk's leadership resulted in Nelson Mandela's release from prison and the legalization of the formerly banned African National Congress. de Klerk and Mandala were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. de Klerk currently leads The Global Leadership Foundation, a group of former heads-of-state advising peers in troubled regions that he established in 2004.

The son of a senator and South African government minister and brother of a liberal journalist, de Klerk practiced law in the Transvaal before holding a number of minister positions and eventually becoming chairman of the Minister's Council and then leader of the House of Assembly. It was not until 1989 when he assumed leadership of the National Party that he called for a non-racist South Africa in his first public speech. He was elected state president later that year. In 1994 Mandala became president and de Klerk was appointed second vice president in his cabinet. He retired from politics in 1997. He is the author of an autobiography titled "The Last Trek -- A New Beginning."

- DU -

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- The Denison Lecture Series presents F.W. de Klerk, former president of South Africa, speaking on "Bridging the Gap: Globalization Without Isolation"; 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, Swasey Chapel (200 Chapel Drive). Free and open to the public. Call (740) 587-5730 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575