Hotel Rwanda hero to speak at MCLP graduation

The real-life hero of the Oscar nominated film “Hotel Rwanda” will speak at the Multicultural Leadership Program Class of 2012 graduation March 31.  Tickets for the Graduation Dinner Celebration are available to the public and may be purchased via the MCLP website.

Paul Rusesabagina is credited with sheltering 1,268 refugees during the 100-day Rwandan genocide by using his influence and connections as temporary manager of the Mille Collines Hotel.  As a result of his courageous actions, the lives of those Tutsi and Hutu refugees were saved from slaughter by the Interahamwe militia.

“Mr. Rusesabagina is a true servant leader who epitomizes the core principles and values on which MCLP was founded,” said Leslie Harding, a former MCLP graduate and current member of its Board of Directors.  “His fame will help spotlight the MCLP program and, most importantly, our graduating class.”

MCLP Class of 2012 Graduation Dinner Celebration begins at 7 p.m., with social hour at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at the DoubleTreeConferenceCenter, 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington.  Tickets are $50 and may be purchased here. Proceeds from a portion of the ticket sales will be used to fund future MCLP classes.

“MCLP was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” said Harding.  “Graduation from the program was bittersweet for me.  I met so many wonderful people and made good friends, so graduation meant not seeing classmates as much.  However, it also symbolized the completion of a rigorous, rewarding program and a community project, all of which I felt proud I had completed.”

The mission of MCLP is to develop diverse leaders.  Each class is comprised of 25 individuals from various backgrounds who meet bi-weekly for eight months.  Class participants are chosen on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to community issues, desire to learn and intent to contribute to the community at large.