June 18, 2007

Jeb Bush to Deliver Keynote Address
at University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of President George W. Bush, will deliver the keynote address at the third annual University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet.

The banquet will be held Oct. 4 at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center in Mobile. University of Mobile President Dr. Mark Foley said the goal is to raise $200,000 for academic scholarships while also raising awareness of the 46-year-old private Baptist-affiliated university. Entertainment will include performances by students from the university’s Center for Performing Arts.

Tickets are $150 per person. Sponsorship packages range from $1,000 to $20,000 for tables of eight, with various benefits for different sponsorship levels. To purchase tickets or discuss sponsorship opportunities, call the UM Development Office at (251) 442-2226 or email
mpittman@mail.umobile.edu.

The University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet has attracted full-house audiences of approximately 700 each year. Previous speakers included former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, and former Georgia governor and retired U.S. Sen. Zell Miller. The patriotic event touches on themes of leadership, service and the importance of graduating men and women who are prepared to make a difference in their communities and the world.

University of Mobile President Dr. Mark Foley said Bush, who served as governor from Jan. 5, 1999 to Jan. 2, 2007, will share his thoughts on “America’s Promise” during the event.

“This evening will be a celebration focusing on our nation’s future, and on the men and women at the University of Mobile who are preparing to be the future leaders in government, business, health care, education, and in their churches and communities,” Foley said.

“For someone not familiar with the University of Mobile, it will be a great introduction to a great university. For those who already support us, it will be a grand evening with friends old and new,” Foley added.

John Ellis “Jeb” Bush served as the 43rd governor of Florida and was the first Republican to be re-elected to that office. A Texas native, Bush moved to Florida in 1981 and joined the Codina Group, a real estate development company. He became Secretary of Commerce under Gov. Bob Martinez in 1987 and was the Republican nominee for governor in 1994, losing to incumbent Lawton Chiles. In 1998 he ran again and won, becoming governor of Florida at the same time his brother, George W., was governor of Texas. Bush was re-elected in 2002, and served with high approval ratings during his tenure.

He and his wife, Columba, have three children and reside in Florida.