Steve Forbes, publisher and two-time presidential candidate, will be speaking at this year’s 13th Annual Convocation on Critical issues on Oct. 3, at 9:30 a.m. at the Looney Complex.

Forbes speech, The Role of Government in a Global Economy, marks the first time Forbes has spoken on campus. Dan Nicoson, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University foundation has high hopes for attendance this year.

Nicoson hopes to have about 3,000 in attendance at the Convocation, many of them being Western students. About 700 high school students are also anticipated to attend.

“Hearing speakers of his experiences and expertise is an unusual opportunity for college students and we hope that Western’s students will take advantage of this opportunity,” Nicoson said.

Not only will Forbes speak at the Convocation, but he will also attend the Convocation dinner Monday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. The dinner costs $30 per person and has been sold out since Sept. 8. The dinner will feature Forbes speaking and answering questions from the audience. Nicoson estimates that about 500 people will be in attendance at the dinner. Forbes was chosen to speak because of his experience with economics.

“We have not brought in an economist or a speaker well versed in issues revolving around the new economy, the world or global economy. Forbes brings us a new perspective different from the past,” Dan Boulware, former president of the former Board of Regents, said.

Boulware has high hopes for what students will take away from Forbes’ speech.

“I hope students sense a new appreciation that we live in a rapidly changing world that places them and our country in competition with others around the world for their services and our products.” Boulware said.

When asked what they thought about the speaker chosen for the Convocation, students seemed satisfied with the choice of Steve Forbes.

“I think that it is interesting that Missouri Western is bringing someone of political stature to speak,” Tara Duckworth said.

Steve Forbes is the editor-in-chief of the business magazine, Forbes, as well as president of its publisher, Forbes Inc. He was a candidate in the U.S. Presidential primaries in 1996 and 2000, primarily running on a campaign to establish a flat income tax.

After attending Princeton University, Forbes went to work for the family company. He became president of Forbes Inc. in 1980 and succeeded his father as editor-in-chief in 1990.

During one of his campaigns for president Forbes said, “My father once spent $5 million on a birthday party for himself in Tangiers. Why can’t I spend a few more running for President?” This statement was in reference to the large sums of money that was spent during his bids for president.

Despite winning the Arizona and Delaware Primaries in 1996, Forbes failed to secure the Republican nomination for President. Forbes dropped out early on during the 2000 primary season and returned to running his magazine and company.

Steve Forbes has a wife, Sabina, and five daughters. He is a frequent panelist on the television program Forbes on Fox, which also features members of the Forbes magazine staff, and is shown Saturday mornings on Fox News.