Former U.S. First Lady Laura W. Bush headlined “Voices of Hope,” the Friends of ACU Library’s Spring Banquet on March 28 in the McCaleb Conference Center. It featured her special remarks, an interview conducted by ACU alum Max Lucado (’77), and a presentation to her of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
A West Texas native and former librarian and teacher, Mrs. Bush spoke about her passion for education and literacy. Throughout her time as First Lady and beyond, she has worked to promote literacy in young people. “Reading is not just a cause I selected as First Lady,” Mrs. Bush told the crowd. “It’s one of the passions of my life.”
She sees developing a love for reading books and magazines as more than entertainment or schoolwork. “Literacy is an essential foundation of democracy,” she said.
Lucado’s wide-ranging interview with Mrs. Bush included reflections on her time in the White House and updates on her current initiatives at the Bush Center.
The FACUL dinner raised money to complete fundraising for the proposed Barry and Diane Packer Forum, a new conference space planned for the east side of Brown Library’s top floor. Former ACU board chair and trustee Dr. Barry Packer (’78) and his wife, Diane (Stephens ’77), are namesakes of the project.