UH Manoa‘s Nisei Veterans Endowed Forum Series Features Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi is the keynote speaker of the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa‘s Colleges of Arts & Sciences fourth forum of the Nisei Veterans Endowed Forum Series, "Universal Values for a Democratic Society." The forum will be held on Thursday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

Principi will speak about preserving values and freedoms in times of crisis. He will be visiting Hawaiʻi in conjunction with the commemorative activities of the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Principi was nominated to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs by President George W. Bush on December 29, 2000, and confirmed by the Senate on January 23, 2001. As Secretary, he directs the federal government‘s second largest department, responsible for the administration of a nationwide system of health care services, benefits programs, and national cemeteries for America‘s veterans and dependents.

Prior to his appointment, Principi was president of QTC Medical Services, Inc., a group of professional service companies. He was also senior vice president at Lockheed Martin IMS and a partner in the San Diego law firm of Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps. A combat-decorated Vietnam veteran, Principi has worked on national policy issues and has held several executive-level positions in the federal government throughout his career.

"Universal Values for a Democratic Society — Nisei Veterans Endowed Forum Series" was established within the UH Manoa Colleges of Arts and Sciences to foster thoughtful discussions on values and their role in enhancing a democratic society.

The forum is open to the public. Japanese bento lunches will be available for $14. The deadline to RSVP and place a lunch order is Thursday, November 29. Call the UH Manoa Colleges of Arts & Sciences at 944-7773 to RSVP and place a lunch order.