Paul Rusesabagina to Lecture on Campus

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Paul Rusesabagina

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- The University Programs Cultures and Concepts Committee presents a lecture by internationally acclaimed humanitarian Paul Rusesabagina at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, in the Union Ballroom. The event follows a 5 p.m. screening of Hotel Rwanda, the Academy Award-nominated film based on Rusesabagina’s life.

When Rwandan Hutus began killing their Tutsi neighbors in the 1994 genocide, Rusesabagina, a Hutu married to a Tutsi, turned the luxury hotel he managed into an impromptu refugee camp for more than 1,000 displaced Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Rusesabagina used his influence and connections to bribe the Hutu militia and keep the soldiers outside the hotel gates during the 100 days of terror in the nation.

Rusesabagina, along with his wife and three children, and most of the refugees he sheltered, all survived the ordeal. His heroic story is the basis for the film Hotel Rwanda, which depicts the events of the genocide that claimed an estimated 800,000 lives.

Because of his noble actions, Rusesabagina is the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award, and the Immortal Chaplains Prize for Humanity. He currently lives in Belgium with his wife, children, and adopted niece and nephew.       

This event, sponsored by University Programs and the UA student activity fee, is open to the public. For more information about the University Programs Cultures and Concepts Committee, contact LaTrice Duncan at upc3@uark.edu. Information about University Programs events can be found at http://www.uark.edu/up or by calling 575-5255.