Clinton Urges Students to Make an Impact

On March 14-16, 2008, more than 700 students attended the first annual CGI U. The conference was hosted by Tulane University in New Orleans and produced by FiveCurrents. In order to attend, student members were required to make a public service commitment, with the goal of bringing about positive social change. Students are expected to take tangible, concrete steps towards solving the world’s challenges.

Attendees were addressed by President Clinton and were encouraged to recognize their responsibility to public service. Students participated in panel discussions on Energy & Climate Change, Global Health, Human Rights & Peace and Poverty Alleviation. They also enjoyed a comedy performance by stand-up comedian and musician, Demetri Martin.

On March 16, students met Brad Pitt in the Lower 9^th Ward and helped prepare land for his neighborhood-rebuilding project, “Make it Right.”

Some of the distinguished CGI U guests included:

Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong

U.S. Institute of Peace Senior Fellow Betty Bigombe

Sustainability architect William McDonough

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin

Cornell University President David Skorton

Political consultant James Carville

World Food Programme Honorary Spokesperson Lauren Bush

Writer Dave Eggers

Environmental activist Laurie David

CGI U Launches Next Week

Scott Givens and his team at FiveCurrents are making preparations at Tulane University in New Orleans to host more than 700 visiting college students, university presidents, leading nonprofit organizations, social entrepreneurs and youth leaders to tackle global issues with practical, innovative solutions on March 14-16, 2008. The focus of CGI U, similar to CGI, is to gather commitments from student activists.  

Attendees at CGI U will include New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Brad Pitt, Laurie David, James Carville, Lauren Bush, Dave Eggers, and New Orleans Recovery Chief Dr. Ed Blakely.