The annual Brown Library spring banquet will be a star-studded affair as Max Lucado (’77) moderates a discussion with first lady (2001-09), Mrs. Laura Bush. The event, which is one of the largest fundraisers hosted by the university library will take place on Thursday, March 28 in the Teague Center. The event is entitled Voices of Hope.

While Laura Bush has no personal connections to the university, she has visited Abilene numerous times and founded the Texas Book Festival in 1995, when she was first lady of Texas.

The discussion will center upon the topic of hope. More specifically, the discussion will center around Laura Bush’s recent book, We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope. The book focuses upon the plight of Afghani women and their struggle for equal protection and rights under the law. It is a collection of the personal stories of women who are leading the cause of advancing the fight for freedom in Afghanistan. 

John Weaver, dean of library services and educational technology, said he felt the pairing was ideal.

“Max Lucado himself has recently authored a book on the topic of hope, so we thought we could get these two well-known authors together to talk about what it means for people to have hope and why it matters,” said Weaver.

Lucado’s most recent work is titled Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God.

This will not be Lucado’s first time to speak for the spring banquet, as he was honored in 2016 with the “Friend of the Year” award by the university library.

Weaver added that Laura Bush will be attended by her normal Secret Service detail, but the event has taken more preparation than yeas past.

“We’re working with ACU advancement, ACU marketing and ACU police to make sure this is a stellar event and a real joy for everyone involved,” said Weaver.

The university library is currently searching for sponsors for the event and tickets for students and the general public will go on sale in January.