Gates to Speak at Concordia

Bill Gates will speak at Concordia College on April 27 as part of dedication festivities for the newly renovated Grant Center, home of the Offutt School of Business.

“Mr. Gates serves as an exceptional representative of the innovative spirit and dedication to responsible engagement in the world that defines both the Offutt School of Business and our liberal arts college as whole,” said President William Craft, while announcing the news.

Gates’ visit will include a public talk and a question-and-answer session with students. He’s expected to address how philanthropy can drive change in the world.

Gates is co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He co-founded Microsoft in 1975 and left his full-time role with the organization in 2008 to focus on the foundation. The foundation teams up with partners around the world to tackle challenges with poverty, healthcare and education.

The world’s second-richest man, according to Forbes, also works to persuade his peers to give away half their wealth or more through the “Giving Pledge.”

Gates’ work as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist carries a valuable message, said Christoffer Birch-Jensen ’14, Sweden.

“Not only has he created wealth, but he’s done something with it,” said the international business student. “It’s pretty amazing to get an influential person like that to come here.”

Ticket and event information will be available March 20.

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