Index of University Press Releases

Nov. 5, 2008

Ambassador Quinn to replace Norman Borlaug
at McGovern Conference

Kenneth M. Quinn

MITCHELL – Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, will replace Norman Borlaug as the featured speaker at the 2008 McGovern Conference, “Hungry for Green: Feeding the World Sustainably” on Nov. 10 and 11.

Quinn’s talk, “Dr. Borlaug’s Legacy and Advice,” is at the luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Sen. George McGovern will give a response to Quinn’s presentation.

“Dr. Borlaug has some interesting advice for President-elect Barack Obama regarding world hunger,” said Quinn. “I am looking forward to sharing these ideas with the McGovern Conference participants.”

Borlaug, 94, has been faced with health challenges and will no longer be able to make the trip from Texas, according to an announcement by Don Simmons, director of the McGovern Center.

Quinn, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, assumed the leadership of the World Food Prize Foundation on Jan. 1, 2000, following his retirement from the State Department. His diplomatic career spanned almost 32 years. During this time he rose to become one of the two or three most decorated Foreign Service officers of his generation, recognized both for the important role he played in humanitarian and refugee endeavors, as well as for his actions in dangerous and violent situations.

At his retirement, Ambassador Quinn was presented the Secretary of State’s Award for Heroism and Valor for his efforts to protect American citizens exposed to danger in Cambodia, as well as the four lifesaving rescues in which he participated in Vietnam. He is the only Foreign Service officer to have three times won the American Foreign Service Association Award for intellectual courage in challenging policy.

Advanced ticket purchase is required to guarantee table seating at the luncheon. Call 995-2603 to purchase luncheon tickets, $10, or visit www.mcgoverncenter.org for more information.