The Hauenstein Center brings Henry Kissinger to West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Henry Kissinger is credited with easing tensions in the Middle East during the 1970s and negotiating the end of Americas direct involvement in Vietnam. He joined the Nixon administration as national security adviser in 1969 and became secretary of state in 1973. He held that position through the end of President Fords administration.

Kissinger will speak on Tuesday, October 24, at 8 p.m., in the Pantlind Ballroom of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Kissinger will hold a news conference from 5-5:20 p.m. in the Gordon Gallery in the DeVos Center on Grand Valleys Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 401 W. Fulton St.

His visit is being hosted by Grand Valley State Universitys Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, the Gerald R. Ford Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

Henry Kissinger was one of the most important people in the world during the 1970s, said Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center. He remains important because he knows so many foreign leaders and understands the challenges we face as a nation.

For more information, contact the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at (616) 331-2770, visit www.allpresidents.org, or call GVSU News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221.