Vicente Fox

October 5, 2009

Former Mexican president visits U of C

Vicente Fox speaks on what it means to be a responsible citizen

Former Mexican president Vicente Fox has a good understanding of the role of a leader, but struggles with why there is a lack of good leaders in the world. He will discuss this and what it means to be a responsible citizen today during his visit to the University of Calgary campus.

“We are thrilled to bring Vicente Fox back to campus,” said Carol Stewart, Vice-Provost (International). “It is inspiring to see a man so dedicated to global success. We are committed to internationalizing the educational experience of our students and Vicente Fox coming to campus helps us reach that goal. ”

Raised on a ranch in Guanajuato, Mexico, Fox says this is where he learned to value the loyalty of everyday people. He later received a Top Management Diploma at the Harvard Business School and while working for Coca-Cola quickly moved up from a route supervisor to the president of the company for Mexico and Latin America.

Since leaving office, Fox talks to groups around the world stressing the importance of citizens having the chance to be successful and thoughtful members of society. He is the first to talk in the university’s new speakers series put on by University of Calgary International (UC International). This is Fox’s third time on campus.

“He was not the typical politician that Mexicans were used to,” said Roy Aguirre, a Mexican U of C graduate student, who will be introducing Fox on Monday. “At an early age, Fox learnt the importance of hard work, respect for others and helping others in your community. I am very excited to have the opportunity to hear a historical figure like Vicente Fox speak at the University of Calgary.”

Fox was the first candidate from an opposition party to be elected president since 1920 and served as president of Mexico from 2000 to 2006. Since leaving office, Vicente Fox addresses audiences around the world and is actively involved in Centro Fox, a centre that promotes human development and the promotion of cultural values in Mexico and Latin America.

UC International plays a central role in developing the internationalization vision and strategy for the university. With Stewart at the helm UC International supports international awareness and education, across administrative and academic leadership, as well as to those engaged in the internationalization of their learning, teaching and research programs and experiences.