Student tickets available next week for Dalai Lama visit

As part of a three-day visit to UB, world-renowned figure His Holiness the Dalai Lama will set into motion the 2006-07 Distinguished Speakers Series.

The Dalai Lama, who is head of state in exile of Tibet, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists worldwide, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, will be giving his lecture entitled "Promoting Peace Across Borders Through Education" on Tues., Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. at the UB Stadium. The dissertation will be the highlighting event of his stay from the 18th through the 20th.

Although admission for the general public has sold out, students will have a chance to pick up free tickets throughout next week.

Students, as well as members of the community, will also have a chance to take part in several events during the three-day visit. Activities include an interfaith service held by the Dalai Lama and local religious groups on Monday Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. in the Alumni Arena, as well as numerous performances of Tibetan and Buddhist-inspired visual art, film, music and dance.

As part of a "special day of learning" at UB in honor of the Dalai Lama, regular classes will be cancelled. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the events surrounding the visit, including the lecture and learning opportunities and special classes.

The visit by the Dalai Lama will include meetings with faculty and students from UB, as well as the awarding of an honorary State University of New York Doctorate in Humane Letters.

Tenzin Gyatso is the fourteenth and current Dalai Lama. He is also the first Dalai Lama to travel to the West, and has advocated for the peaceful resolution of political conflicts.

He was awarded the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to resolve Tibet's conflicts with the Chinese government through nonviolent means, and was exiled from Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against the Chinese government.

The Distinguished Speakers Series Event in the UB Stadium will be preceded by musical performances, beginning at 1 p.m.

Food will be served at Putnam's in the Student Union, concession stands in and around the UB Stadium and Alumni Arena, as well as the Dalai Lama Experience, next to the UB Stadium.