Retired General Wesley Clark to Speak at OU

Retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark will speak at a University of Oklahoma Presidential Speakers Series dinner, set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave., on the OU Norman campus.

After serving 38 years in the U.S. Army, Clark retired as a four-star general, having served in his last assignments as commander of U.S. Southern Command and then as commander of the U.S. European Command/NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe.

At his upcoming talk at OU, titled “The Future of America,” Clark will discuss the United States’ strategic purpose in the world and the challenges that will shape the years ahead.

“With decades of experience in military leadership, international diplomacy and national security, Gen. Wesley Clark will offer tremendous insight into the most pressing issues confronting our nation today, and how our response will determine what kind of nation we become,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “His message is especially important as we build toward a new era of excellence at OU, and we are honored to welcome a speaker of his standing.”

One of the nation’s most highly decorated military officials, Clark has earned a number of prestigious awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the State Department’s Distinguished Service Award, five Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He played a critical role in the peace negotiations between Bosnia and Herzegovina, working with former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Richard Holbrooke to write and negotiate significant portions of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement.

In his final assignment as supreme allied commander in Europe, he led NATO forces to victory in Operation Allied Force, a 78-day air campaign, backed by ground invasion planning and a diplomatic process, saving 1.5 million Albanians from ethnic cleansing.

Since retiring from the military, Clark has had a successful career as an investment banker, author, commentator and public servant. A 2004 U.S. presidential candidate, he won the Democratic primary in Oklahoma.

Clark currently serves as chairman and CEO of Wesley K. Clark & Associates, an international consulting firm that specializes in business development, crisis support and strategic communications.

A best-selling author, Clark has written four books and is a frequent contributor on TV, newspapers and radio. He graduated first in his class from West Point and completed degrees in philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.

Limited seating is available by reservation for OU students, faculty, staff and alumni with overflow seating available to the public. For reservations, more information and accommodations, email specialevents@ou.edu or call (405) 325-1701.