Community Eager for UC San Diego Events Featuring the Dalai Lama

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UC San Diego graduates and their families will hear the Dalai Lama share messages of global compassion at the June 17 All Campus Commencement. (Photo by Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego Publications)

Last October, leadership at the University of California, San Diego—thrilled that His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama had accepted the campus’ invitation to be the keynote speaker at the 2017 commencement—were told by the Friends of the Dalai Lama Foundation that “all of this is bigger than anyone can imagine.”

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, will speak at UC San Diego at two sold-out events: a public address on June 16 and the June 17 commencement. (Photo by Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego Publications)

This is big: the Dalai Lama is one of the most recognized and respected individuals in the world. The excitement and anticipation is building for nearly 50,000 ticket holders to hear the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism share his messages of compassion, education and diversity. UC San Diego is the first stop on His Holiness’ 2017 U.S. tour, with two sold-out events that include:

Friday, June 16, 2017, 10-11:30 a.m.: “Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World.” The address, open to the public, will take place on RIMAC Field at UC San Diego. Those present on the stage will include UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and journalist Ann Curry.

Saturday, June 17, 2017, 8-10:30 a.m.: “The Value of Education, Ethics and Compassion for the Well-Being of Self and Others.” The UC San Diego All Campus Commencement will be on RIMAC Field at UC San Diego. Those present on the stage will include UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, UC San Diego Vice Chancellors and Deans, and outstanding student speaker Richard “Ricky” Flahive.

The Dalai Lama describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. But to the world he is a renowned peace advocate, a beacon of hope for humanity, sharing inspirational messages with international audiences that range from young students to world leaders. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. His Holiness also became the first Nobel laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems.

As one of the top 15 research universities in the world and recognized for its contributions to the public good, UC San Diego partnered with The Friends of the Dalai Lama Foundation to present the two events. Founded by Ven. Lama Tenzin Dhonden, the Personal Emissary for Peace to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that oversees the creation and planning of elite and large-scale events held at public and private venues throughout the United States for the Dalai Lama.

Ticket holders for the once-in-a-lifetime events are urged to come early due to anticipated parking and transportation impacts, and strict security. Additionally, all doors will close when His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama takes the stage.

Those without tickets can still share in the moment. They can watch the UC San Diego livestream of the June 16 Dalai Lama Public Address at compassion2017.ucsd.edu with pre-event activities beginning at 9 a.m. The UC San Diego livestream of the June 17 All Campus Commencement, featuring the keynote address by the Dalai Lama, can be viewed at commencement.ucsd.edu; the procession of graduates begins at 8 a.m.