EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS: Troy University will host the U.S.-China Forum on Distance Learning April 9-11 on the Troy Campus.

A 20-member delegation from the national government, universities providing distance education, youth exchange programs and the China Central Radio and TV University from the People’s Republic of China will be attending this event. Boston University is co-hosting the Forum, and American universities from Washington, California, New York, Maryland, Florida and the Mid West will be participating, as well as vendors in the distance learning arena.

At 9:45 a.m. Monday until 10:15 a.m., members of the delegation from the Peoples Republic of China will be available for interview. In addition, President Yu Yunxiu of the China Central Radio and TV University and chair of the China Edcuational Technology Association will be available. Interpreters will be present during the exchange.

In addition, Gov. Bob Riley, originally slated to speak during the opening assembly on Monday (8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.), will not address the conference.

However, on Monday from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m., the Governor’s ACCESS Project for Education will be unveiled to the international audience.

A news release has been issued announcing the Forum at http://www.troy.edu/news/archives/march2006/china.htm.

Alumni Event – Montgomery Area

On Monday, April 10, the Montgomery-area Troy University alumni chapters will host the annual golf tournament at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery. At 6 p.m., the Troy University Montgomery Alumni Association and the Greater Montgomery Alumni Chapter will be merged to form the Metro Montgomery Alumni Chapter in a special ceremony led by Chancellor Jack Hawkins. This event will also take place at Arrowhead Country Club. A news release has been issued via email on this today (Friday).

Easter Egg Hunt

The Student Government Association’s annual Easter egg hunt for children ages 1 – 8 years is 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9 on the Troy Campus. This event will take place near the amphitheatre located behind the Adams Center.

Helen Keller Lecture

Also, at 10 a.m. April 13, the 11th annual Helen Keller Lecture will take place in Claudia Crosby Theatre. The Helen Keller lecture is designed to promote awareness of people who excel in their chosen fields despite physical limitations. The lecture is sponsored by Troy University, the Alabama Department of Education, the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education. For more information, the following release is available online at: http://www.troy.edu/news/archives/march2006/helen_keller_lecture.htm

In connection with the Helen Keller Lecture, on Monday, April 10, an art exhibit by Troy-area special education students will take place in the Adams Center’s second-floor lobby. The exhibit runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and awards for first, second and third places will be made in middle school and high school divisions at 1 p.m.

As always, the University Relations Office is available to assist your organization with any coverage needs it may have. Please contact the office with any requests.

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