Judson University will welcome Jim Munroe, leukemia survivor and world-renowned magician, as keynote speaker at the 2017 World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series set for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, at the university campus in Elgin.

“The entire greater Chicagoland area is invited to witness Munroe’s captivating story, which shares his inspiring story about survival and confronting his skepticism about God and the human existence,” organizers said.

Judson University is partnering with the nonprofit Be the Match to provide information on bone marrow donations during the World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series. Munroe, credits Be the Match for his leukemia survival. Jennell Jenney, whose bone marrow donation saved Munroe’s life, will also be present at the event.

Operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, Be the Match seeks to save lives by facilitating bone marrow transplants. The nonprofit organization has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world for more than 25 years.

“It’s an honor to collaborate with an organization that is so important to this community and our keynote speaker,” said Judson University President Dr. Gene Crume. “We hope Be the Match’s presence on campus will help students and visitors learn more about the organization and ways they can help.”

In addition to being the keynote speaker for Judson’s annual event, Munroe is an author and renowned magician. In 2009, he was given only months to live after receiving a harrowing leukemia diagnosis at age 29. Munroe recovered thanks to a bone marrow donation facilitated by Be the Match and now travels the world to share his inspiring story while impressing with illusions.

“The vast majority of blood cancer patients don’t have a fully matched donor in their family,” said Munroe. “I know I wouldn’t be here today without Be the Match. I’m so grateful to them and happy that they’ll be at this event with me.”

The goal of the World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series is to offer Judson students and the Chicagoland community an opportunity to be inspired by significant thought leaders. The series has previously featured Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton and Life Without Limbs author and motivational speaker Nick Vujicic.

Ticket and Event Information

Munroe will speak and perform at Herrick Chapel on the Judson University campus in Elgin at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9. General admission tickets are now available for $25, while priority seats are $75 and VIP tickets are $500. For ticketing and sponsorship information, visit judsonu.edu/wlfinspiration.

About the World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series

Judson’s signature event, the World Leaders Forum, has featured former heads of state including President George W. Bush, Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Mexican President Felipe Calderón; as well as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.

All proceeds fund Judson leadership scholarships and innovative entrepreneurial activities as well as support on-going operational purposes of the World Leaders Forum. In addition to financial aid, Judson Leadership Scholars have access to unique opportunities for cultivating leadership skills through the World Leaders Forum and monthly meetings with the Judson president.

Student scholars receive leadership training and financial aid based on their academic merit, leadership qualities, and financial need. To be eligible, a student must show attributes of entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership, innovation, mission and faith.

About Judson University

Judson University is a fully accredited, private Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences and professions. Judson offers degrees in more than 65 majors/minors for traditional, graduate, and adult students. Judson University ranks consistently among the Top Tier of Regional Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized as a “Christian College of Distinction.” With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, Judson shapes lives that shape the world.

SOURCE: Judson University news release