Photo by Remy Steinegger/World Economic Forum

Former Mexican President Felipe Calderón inspired a crowd of more than 400 people at Judson University’s fifth annual World Leaders Forum last week.

The event featured a keynote speech by Calderón on leadership and the new global economy, followed by a Q&A session. He served as Mexican president from 2006-2012.

Event attendees included Judson students, alumni, faculty and staff, and members of the general public.

“More than 43 percent of Elgin residents – and more than 12 percent of Judson students – are Hispanic, which is one of the many reasons why President Calderón is an ideal headliner for the World Leaders Forum,” said Dr. Gene Crume, Judson University President. “Our hope is that by giving Judson students the opportunity to sit face-to-face with international leaders like President Calderón, they will be inspired to help shape the world.”

For the second phase of the World Leaders Forum, Calderón also spoke at a private VIP reception Thursday evening in downtown Chicago. Attendees of the VIP event included sponsors, entrepreneurs, and elected officials.

In its first four years, the World Leaders Forum has been keynoted by George W. Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair, and Condoleezza Rice.

The annual event offers Judson students and area professionals an opportunity to be inspired by significant leaders who have a global perspective. Funds raised from the forum go toward scholarships for current Judson University students and an endowment to start an entrepreneurial studies program at Judson.

“As a Hispanic student at Judson, the opportunity to interact with a brilliant world leader who is also Hispanic has been an invaluable and unforgettable moment in my college experience,” said Helen Perez, a senior at Judson University.

Lopez was able to attend the event thanks to the generosity of an event sponsor. Approximately 130 Judson students attended the event this year under the sponsored ticket program.